"Operation 'gas up anyone NOT named Caitlin Clark'" - WNBA fans react to Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson's intense stat showdown this season

Angel Reese and A'ja Wilson faced off against each other on Thursday, with the Las Vegas Aces dominating the young Chicago Sky team, 95-83. Reese contributed 18 points to the game, countered by Wilson's 31. If these numbers are any indication, the duel between these players is expected to make a lot of noise around the WNBA for many years to come.

Despite only playing against one another once this season, they have posted similar numbers, co-leading the WNBA with 11.12 rebounds per game. These numbers are notable, especially considering Reese is a rookie and Wilson has taken a more offensive approach to her game this season.

Multiple fans reacted to this stat, with some criticizing the focus on rebounds, bringing Caitlin Clark's name to the conversation.

"Operation “gas up anyone NOT named Clark," one fan wrote.

"Props to them but I’ve never heard rebounds talked about as much in my life 😂," another fan said.

"Caitlin Clark is leading ALL WNBA players in 3point shooting should she win the ROTY? Or this only applies to rebounds," a third fan said.

Others were strong supporters of Angel Reese, with one person even saying that the Reese-Wilson rivalry needs to be promoted over other storylines.

"This is the rivalry that needs to get more promoted. They’re really neck and neck and play the same position and guard each other. Both are on an insane streak," this fan said.

Reese and Wilson are both in the top five for double-doubles this season. The Sky's rookie has posted 10 double-doubles, ranking second in the league, while Wilson has recorded nine to rank fourth, ahead of Breanna Stewart.

A'ja Wilson lauded Angel Reese after Aces-Sky game

After their Thursday night matchup, Wilson had good things to say about Angel Reese's performance. Despite facing more experienced players, Reese 'held her own,' according to Wilson.

"I feel like we got some growth that we can learn when it comes to guarding her and defending her, but obviously, she held her own," Wilson said in the post game conference.

These two are the present and future of the WNBA. Wilson has already established as a superstar in the league with her two-way traits, while Reese has just arrived, but she's already making noise.