Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese have emerged as prominent figures in the WNBA, though Clark’s second season has been hampered by injuries, while Reese has posted impressive numbers, averaging a double-double. LSU Tigers standout Flau’jae Johnson spoke out against the hype surrounding the Clark-Reese rivalry during a recent episode of the Club Shay Shay podcast, hosted by NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe. Johnson expressed frustration over the attempts to pit the two athletes against each other.

Responding to a question about whether WNBA players disliked Clark, Johnson said,

“No, but I think it’s competitive and I think everybody wants to knock the top dog off.”

She then emphasized the unnecessary nature of the rivalry debate.

“This is so stupid. I don’t understand, because, like, either way, they’re watching. It’s going to help everybody. I don’t know, maybe that’s my mindset, and I have to address this right now because everybody is trying to put two people against each other, like, you know what I’m saying.” —Flau’jae Johnson

“They are trying to put me in the middle of it. I don’t have anything to do with that, like, you know, I’m saying, like you could be friends with people that you play against.” —Flau’jae Johnson

Johnson urged fans and media alike to appreciate the accomplishments of both players instead of opposing them. She highlighted their record-breaking performances despite Clark facing challenges this season.

“You gotta appreciate both greatness, like they are both breaking records,” Johnson said “Caitlin isn’t having the best season this year, but they are both breaking records. They are both All-Stars. It’s like, ‘You can be a fan of one, you gotta hate the other.’” —Flau’jae Johnson

Details on Flau’jae Johnson’s College Career and Impact

Flau’jae Johnson recently guided LSU to the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Tournament before they were eliminated by the UCLA Bruins. Last season, she averaged 18.6 points per game on 46.8% shooting, including 38.3% from beyond the arc. Johnson also contributed 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and nearly one block per game, demonstrating a versatile and impactful presence on the court.

WNBA All-Star Coach Comments on Caitlin Clark’s Injury Status

As the WNBA All-Star Game approaches, New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello, who coached Team Clark, provided an update on Clark’s current injury following the Indiana Fever’s recent game against Connecticut. Clark’s availability for the All-Star Game remains uncertain as the team assesses her condition.

“You never want to see a player get injured,” Brondello said. “A player like Caitlin, coming back has had few injuries this year. She’s a great player. … As for the All-Star, I’m excited to get to know her a little bit.” —Sandy Brondello

The All-Star Game is set for Sunday, with the Indiana Fever ultimately responsible for deciding Clark’s participation based on her recovery progress.

Significance of Clark’s Injury and Broader WNBA Context

Caitlin Clark’s injury update remains a key storyline as one of the league’s rising stars deals with setbacks in her sophomore season. Meanwhile, Angel Reese continues to demonstrate MVP potential with consistent double-double performances. The friendly competition between Clark and Reese, rather than rivalry, highlights the growing talent and excitement within the WNBA. Flau’jae Johnson’s call to move beyond divisive fan debates emphasizes unity and respect for all athletes’ achievements. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Clark recovers and impacts the remainder of the season and the upcoming All-Star Game.