Clark, Reese Debunk Rivalry Talk at FIBA World Cup as 26-14 WNBA Teams Near Playoff Clash
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Sep 10
Clark, Reese Debunk Rivalry Talk at FIBA World Cup as 26-14 WNBA Teams Near Playoff Clash
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Sep 10
Summary
Berlin brought fresh evidence against the feud narrative: Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark said their first major national-team event has helped them bond as U.S. teammates.
Clark called many stories about their relationship “false takes,” while Reese said the young core — including Paige Bueckers and Aliyah Boston — has leaned on one another through the tournament.
Their easy chemistry has shown up publicly, from Reese pulling Clark back from an early check-in against China to a smiling high-five after Clark interrupted Reese’s media session.
The pairing still carries outsized attention because LSU beat Iowa in the 2023 NCAA title game, a matchup that turned both stars into symbols in a wider rivalry debate.
That dynamic could sharpen again soon: Reese’s Atlanta Dream and Clark’s Indiana Fever are both 26-14 and could meet in the first round, even as they build a shared U.S. core for future Olympics.