Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese rivalry is funny, claims WNBA star citing one critical aspect

Since their time in the NCAA, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been rivals, despite playing different positions. While basketball stars drafted in the same year who play the same position, like Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning, were natural rivals, Reese and Clark's rivalry has been partly fueled by the media, as per Dallas Wings star Arike Ogunbowale.

While speaking in an interview with USA Today, Ogunbowale spoke about the rivalry between Clark and Reese.

"I do think the Angel–Caitlin thing is funny. ... They're two totally different positions, and the media tries to make them be like competitors. It's like, that's a guard and that's a post. So, at the end of the day, they never even guarded each other. It's not really a 'rivalry,' but it's just funny how people hype it up," Ogunbowale said.

"But I know both of them and they both have respect for each other so it's mostly the media."

During the WNBA All-Star weekend, the pair played together for the first time, contributing to a huge upset over Team USA. The win was also fueled by Ogunbowale, who erupted for 34 points, setting the WNBA record for most points in a quarter with 21.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have both spoken positively about one another in the media

When Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese were in college, they played in back-to-back years of the March Madness tournament. Thus, the rivalry that has now continued in the WNBA.

When Reese took LSU to its first national title in 2023, defeating Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes, she used John Cena's "You can't see me" taunt against Clark, a move that rubbed many the wrong way.

Despite many debating the celebration, Clark defended Reese and her right to celebrate.

"I don't think Angel should be criticized at all. No matter which way it goes, she should never be criticized for what she did. I'm just one that competes, and she competed. I think everybody knew there was going to be a little trash talk," Clark told ESPN after the loss.

"It's not just me and Angel. I don't think she should be criticized, like I said. LSU deserves it. They played so well. Like I said, I'm a big fan of hers."

During this year's All-Star game, Angel Reese praised Clark, pointing out how the pair will likely be Olympians together in four years at the LA Summer Olympics. While sitting on the sidelines during the All-Star Game, where the two got the chance to play together for the first time, Reese said:

"She’s been great to play with. I mean, the future—we’re going to be playing with each other a lot. Hopefully, in four years we’ll be Olympians together.”

While both have raised the WNBA to new heights, they have been pitted against one another in the media time and again.