WNBA stars Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have emerged as central figures in one of the most intense rivalries in women’s basketball, drawing parallels to the legendary competition between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, according to WNBA Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller. This Angel Reese Caitlin Clark rivalry has captured widespread attention since their collegiate battles and continues to develop in the professional league.
The rivalry took shape during the 2023 women’s national championship, when Angel Reese’s LSU Tigers defeated Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes. However, Clark managed to turn the tables in the 2024 Elite Eight, securing a notable victory over Reese. Both players quickly established themselves as stars in the WNBA, earning All-Star selections for the 2024 season. Clark notably outpaced Reese in their rookie seasons by earning both the Rookie of the Year and All-WNBA honors.
Cheryl Miller appeared recently on the podcast
All Facts No Brakes with Keyshawn Johnson
alongside Candace Parker, where they discussed this developing rivalry. Miller reaffirmed her belief that the competition between Clark and Reese resembles the storied Magic-Bird rivalry, emphasizing the significance of their collegiate and championship showdowns.
Well, the reason I do it is, and just because I’m old school, you had Magic and Larry, who competed in college, but it has championships,
Miller said.
So, Magic won. Larry didn’t. It’s kind of like the same thing, a little, with Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. But the difference is, with the men, it’s a rivalry, and it’s great theater.
—Cheryl Miller, WNBA legend
Miller also faced the way the media frames Clark and Reese’s rivalry differently from how men’s rivalries are portrayed, expressing frustration over persistent stereotypes.
The narrative is always different with the women,
she added.
We’re either petty, or jealous, envious. You know, we can’t just be… Or two people who just generally don’t like you, and that’s OK. I don’t have to like you. I respect your game and everything else. But we don’t have to be kumbaya. But it’s the narrative by the media that bothers me.
—Cheryl Miller, WNBA legend
In the WNBA head-to-head matchups, Caitlin Clark currently leads Angel Reese 5-1, with three more games scheduled between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky during the 2025 season. Their next meeting is set for July 27, promising to add further chapters to this ongoing rivalry.