The ongoing narrative surrounding Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, two of the WNBA’s brightest young stars, has been one of the most captivating storylines in women’s basketball. From their competitive college matchups to their rookie seasons in the professional league, the two have been perpetually pitted against each other, often by fans and media rather than by their own doing. Recently, Reese has found herself at the center of criticism regarding her performance during her 2024 rookie season with the Chicago Sky, particularly from fans of Clark, who plays for the Indiana Fever. Not one to shy away from addressing her detractors, Reese has fired back, using her platform to set the record straight and call out what she perceives as unfair and racially charged criticism.
The roots of this so-called rivalry trace back to the 2023 NCAA Championship game, where Reese’s LSU Tigers defeated Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes. A viral moment from that game—Reese’s “you can’t see me” gesture and pointing to her ring finger—sparked heated debate. While some praised Reese’s competitive fire, others labeled her actions unsportsmanlike, a critique that Clark herself dismissed, stating, “I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all”. This moment set the tone for the public’s perception of their dynamic, with fans often amplifying a rivalry that both players have repeatedly downplayed. As they transitioned to the WNBA in 2024, the scrutiny intensified, with every stat line, game, and interview dissected to fuel the narrative of Reese versus Clark.
Reese’s rookie season was nothing short of historic. She averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, setting the WNBA single-season record for rebounds and achieving the league’s longest double-double streak. Despite these accomplishments, critics, particularly from Clark’s fanbase, have targeted Reese’s shooting efficiency, with some arguing her field goal percentage—often cited as lower than Clark’s—diminishes her impact. Clark, who averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists while leading the Fever to the playoffs, was voted the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, receiving 66 of 67 votes, with Reese earning the remaining one. This outcome further fueled online debates, with some fans dismissing Reese’s contributions in favor of Clark’s.[](https://sports.yahoo.com/angel-reese-alleges-harassment-by-caitlin-clark-fans
In response, Reese has been vocal, particularly on her podcast, *Unapologetically Angel*, launched in September 2024. Addressing the criticism, she emphasized her respect for Clark, stating, “Caitlin is an amazing player. I’ve always thought she was an amazing player. We’ve been playing each other since high school, and there’s never been beef”. However, she didn’t hold back when discussing the harassment she’s faced from Clark’s fans, which she believes is steeped in racism. Reese revealed receiving death threats, being followed home, and even having AI-generated explicit images of herself sent to her family, incidents she attributes to the toxic discourse surrounding their perceived rivalry. “I think there’s a lot of racism when it comes to it,” she said, clarifying that she doesn’t believe Clark endorses such behavior but that the actions of some fans have crossed unacceptable lines.[](https://www.mediaite.com/sports/angel-reese-calls-out-disrespectful-caitlin-clark-fans-for-harassment-theres-a-lot-of-racism/
Reese’s response highlights a broader issue in women’s sports: the double standards and disproportionate criticism faced by Black athletes. While Clark’s trash-talking and competitive gestures have often been celebrated as “clap backs,” Reese’s similar actions have been labeled disrespectful, a disparity that many, including Reese, argue is racially motivated. This sentiment was echoed by CNN commentator Frankie de la Cretaz, who argued that criticizing women for trash-talking is sexist and that such behavior is a celebrated part of men’s sports. Reese herself has embraced her role as the “bad guy” if it means growing the game, stating, “I’ll take the bad-guy role, and I’ll continue to take that on and be that for my teammates”.[](https://www.reddit.com/r/NCAAW/comments/12asnrm/lsus_angel_reese_iowas_caitlin_clark_and
The criticism of Reese’s performance often overlooks her unique contributions. Her rebounding prowess and defensive tenacity are unparalleled among rookies, and her ability to generate second-chance points through offensive rebounds has been a cornerstone of the Sky’s strategy. Critics focusing solely on shooting percentage fail to acknowledge that Reese and Clark play different positions—Reese as a forward, Clark as a guard—with distinct roles. Reese’s game is built on physicality and hustle, while Clark’s relies on playmaking and long-range shooting. Comparing their stats directly is a flawed exercise, yet it persists in fan-driven narratives.
Reese’s clapback also underscores her resilience. Despite the harassment, she remains unapologetic, using her podcast to address not only her critics but also broader issues like mental health and the pressures of fame. Her mother, Angel Webb Reese, has also entered the fray, taking shots at Clark’s fanbase for fixating on attendance figures while ignoring LSU’s championship banners. This family support reinforces Reese’s determination to stay true to herself, even as she navigates a spotlight that often seeks to diminish her.[](https://people.com/angel-reese-mom-mocks-caitlin-clark-college-team-11729267)
As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, with Reese and Clark set to face off on May 17, the narrative surrounding their rivalry will likely persist. However, Reese’s response to her critics is a reminder that she’s more than a foil to Clark’s story. She’s a record-breaking rookie, a cultural force, and a player who refuses to be silenced. By calling out the racism and double standards she faces, Reese is not only defending her performance but also advocating for a more equitable conversation about women’s basketball. As she said, “I’ll look back in 20 years and be like, ‘Yeah, the reason why we’re watching women’s basketball is not just because of one person. It’s because of me too’”. And that’s a legacy no critic can take away.[](https://www.glamour.com/story/caitlin-clark-is-tired-of-the-angel-reese-rivalry-discourse-and-wnba-fans-are-loving-her-new-statement
