The rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark has been a captivating storyline in womenās basketball, fueled by their competitive college encounters and amplified by their transition to the WNBA. Recent headlines, such as those referencing Reeseās supposed fury over stats comparing her to a ābaby giraffeā and Clark, have stirred debate among fans. However, these sensational claims often oversimplify the nuanced differences between two exceptional athletes. This article dives into their 2024 WNBA rookie season statistics, addresses the ābaby giraffeā metaphor, and explores why comparing Reese and Clark requires more than inflammatory soundbites.
In the 2024 WNBA season, Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall draft pick for the Indiana Fever, and Angel Reese, the No. 7 pick for the Chicago Sky, showcased distinct skill sets. Clark, a guard, averaged 16.8 points, 7.8 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game, with a true shooting percentage (TS%) of 57.7%, well above the league average of 53.5%. Her ability to orchestrate the offense and shoot from deepāreminiscent of Stephen Curry, as some analysts notedāmade her a standout. However, her 5.6 turnovers per game and defensive ranking (95th out of 157 players) highlighted areas for growth. Reese, a forward, averaged 13.5 points and 12 rebounds per game, with a TS% of 47.6%, below league average. Her rebounding prowess, particularly offensive rebounds, led to a WNBA-record 10 consecutive double-doubles, and she ranked 29th in total defense, showcasing her physicality.
The ābaby giraffeā metaphor, popularized by comedian Aries Spears, emerged from a viral TikTok compilation mocking Reeseās missed layups, suggesting she lacks coordination compared to Clarkās fluidity. Spearsā critique, echoed in headlines like āAngel Reese FURIOUS As NEW Stat Exposes Sheās Worse Than BABY GIRAFFE,ā exaggerates her offensive struggles. While Reeseās 42% effective field goal percentage (eFG%) lags behind Clarkās 55%, her game isnāt built on shooting efficiency but on relentless rebounding and defensive tenacity. Clarkās perimeter-oriented style contrasts with Reeseās paint dominance, making direct comparisons tricky. The āfuriousā narrative lacks evidence, as Reese has consistently downplayed personal rivalry, stating on her podcast *Unapologetically Angel* that she and Clark share mutual respect and have competed since their AAU days.[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/wnba-basketball-news-angel-reese-as-uncoordinated-as-a-baby-giraffe-chicago-roots-cant-save-sky-star-because-of-caitlin-clark-rivalry/
Head-to-head, Clark outperformed Reese in their four 2024 matchups, averaging 20.5 points, 10 assists, and 6.5 rebounds to Reeseās 13.5 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Yet, Reeseās impact on the glass and defensively often kept games close. Advanced metrics, like Clarkās +3.2 relative TS% versus Reeseās -6.2, favor Clarkās efficiency, but Reeseās +2.1 plus-minus compared to Clarkās -7.3 suggests team impact that stats alone donāt capture. Reeseās role as a rebounding anchor for a Chicago Sky team lacking a true point guard contrasts with Clarkās ball-dominant role on the Fever.
The mediaās fixation on pitting Reese against Clark often ignores their contributions to the WNBAās growth. Clarkās record-setting assists and viewership numbers, paired with Reeseās social media dominance and Unrivaled league performance (including a 20-20 game), have elevated the sport. Reeseās Defensive Player of the Year award in Unrivaled and Clarkās WNBA Rookie of the Year nod underscore their unique strengths. Rather than a ābaby giraffeā or a ābetter thanā narrative, both players are redefining womenās basketball in their own way
In conclusion, while Clarkās offensive efficiency outshines Reeseās, the latterās rebounding and defensive impact are invaluable. Sensational headlines may grab attention, but they distort the truth: Reese and Clark are not rivals to be ranked but complementary forces driving the WNBA forward. Their stats tell different stories, and thatās the beauty of their rivalry)