The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has captured the attention of basketball fans for several years, starting during their college careers. Clark played for the Iowa Hawkeyes, while Reese starred at LSU with the Tigers. Both players became iconic figures, though their reputations stemmed from different attributes that drove engagement in women’s college basketball.

Clark quickly established herself as one of the generation’s most gifted players, showcasing remarkable shooting accuracy and exceptional playmaking skills that left defenders struggling. Her style attracted significant television audiences eager to witness her prodigious talent.

Reese, on the other hand, was known for her outspoken and bold demeanor both on and off the court, which garnered her considerable attention. In addition to her personality, Reese was an impressive college competitor, leading LSU to the 2023 national championship and selected seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, shortly after Clark was picked first overall.

As both transitioned to the professional level, Clark has managed to gain the upper hand in their ongoing rivalry, especially within the WNBA. This shift prompts questions about how Clark managed to reverse the dynamic from their collegiate battles where Reese had moments of psychological dominance.

Defining Moments That Shaped Their Fierce Competition

A pivotal scene from the 2023 national championship game encapsulates the raw intensity of their rivalry. With less than a minute remaining and LSU comfortably ahead 98-82, Reese made a memorable gesture by pointing to her ring finger while positioned between Clark and Iowa teammate Addison O’Grady. She then glanced at Clark with a dismissive hand wave, signaling, “I can’t see you.” Cameras caught Clark’s apparent choice to ignore the taunt, concentrating on the game instead.

Ultimately, LSU secured the national title, with Reese delivering a commanding performance of 15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three steals, earning her the Women’s Final Four Most Outstanding Player award. She finished her college rivalry against Clark with an advantage, winning four of their five matchups.

Clark fought hard in that championship game, scoring 30 points, including eight three-pointers, providing eight assists and pulling down two rebounds. This contest framed the early narrative of their rivalry, dominated then by Reese’s confidence and provocations.

How Their Dynamics Evolved After Entering the WNBA

Transitioning to the WNBA, the competitive balance has noticeably shifted. While Reese’s bold gestures and confident remarks persisted, Clark has gained statistical and team success advantages. Reese’s continued physical and verbal engagements include a viral interview during her rookie season with the Chicago Sky, where she emphasized her influence on increasing women’s basketball viewership.

“The reason why we’re watching women’s basketball is not just because of one person,”

“It’s because of me, too, and I want y’all to realize that. Like, it’s not just because of one person.”

—Angel Reese, Chicago Sky Forward

During a 2025 season game, the tension between the two escalated on court after a no-call on Reese grabbing an offensive rebound. Clark responded physically by pushing Reese to the ground as she attempted a layup, resulting in a brief but intense confrontation indicative of their fierce rivalry. Reese’s immediate reaction of shouting at Clark showcased the personal stakes involved in their competition.

Despite such confrontations, Clark’s accomplishments in head-to-head WNBA matchups stand out. Over five games between their teams during the early part of their professional careers, Clark’s Indiana Fever have claimed victory four times, a dominant record against Reese’s Chicago Sky.

Statistical Comparison and Team Contexts Behind the Rivalry

Individually, the statistics between Clark and Reese reveal their differing roles. Clark averages 18.5 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game in their matchups, shooting 40.5% overall and 32.9% from three-point range. Reese contributes 13.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, shooting 41.2% from the field but struggling at 20.0% from beyond the arc.

The numbers underscore Clark’s primary role as the Fever’s point guard, orchestrating offense and distributing effectively, while Reese is predominantly a forward focused on rebounding and interior play. Both players have already been named WNBA All-Stars twice, highlighting their elite status within the league.

Team strength also factors heavily into the rivalry’s current dynamics. Clark’s Fever boast multiple talented players, including fellow All-Stars Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, contributing to a competitive 13-12 record that keeps Indiana in playoff contention. Boston’s scoring average surpasses many on the Sky roster.

In contrast, Reese leads a Chicago Sky team struggling with depth and consistency, reflected in their 7-17 record this season. She remains the Sky’s top representative among All-Stars, emphasizing the gap in overall team talent between the two organizations.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect From This Rivalry Moving Forward

Both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are in the early stages of promising WNBA careers, and their rivalry shows no sign of diminishing. With the 2025 season ongoing, fans eagerly await their next encounter, scheduled for Sunday, July 27, in Chicago. Clark’s availability for that game remains uncertain due to a groin injury, but if she plays, the matchup promises to be an electrifying contest.

Their ongoing battles highlight broader themes in women’s basketball—rivalry, talent, and the passion that drives the sport’s growing popularity. As two of the league’s brightest stars, Clark and Reese will continue to push each other and captivate audiences while shaping the future narratives of the WNBA.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?

A. Reese explained in a TikTok video that she injured her hand when she fell after making a basketball shot. The fall caused a small fracture in her bone.

Doctors informed her she had two choices: she could either undergo surgery or skip it.

Q. Did Angel Reese get a degree?

A. Reese studied interdisciplinary studies at Louisiana State University and also pursued a communications degree at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Q. What was Angel Reese’s injury?

A. Angel Reese had an unfortunate night because she couldn’t play against Seattle on Thursday. Just before the game, the Sky ruled her out due to a back injury. It’s not known when she got hurt.

Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?

A. Basketball is a family tradition because Angel’s parents played the sport in college. Her mom even went on to play professionally in Luxembourg. In January 2023, she mentioned to Just Women’s Sports, “She’s always been independent and she molded that into me.”