Caitlin Clark Showers Praise for Longtime Rival and USA Teammate Angel Reese: “We’re Both Fiery Competitors”

There are enough fans out there who bat for either Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese. They are also the loudest when it comes to creating narratives about their apparent disdain for each other or how they fare against each other.

Those narratives have seeped into the WNBA, where those rival fans have fanned the flames whenever there was a direct clash or reaction. It has not helped matters that the two young superstars are ultra-competitive, which leads them to have some surreal actions on the court.

Whether it was Clark seemingly hard-fouling Reese during their opener last season, or the latter’s reaction afterwards, did not help matters. Instantly, claims of extreme hatred started floating around.

The Atlanta Dream forward had to clap back at some of the big names making such claims. However, it did not stop the discourse, especially after the Indiana Fever point guard laughed at Reese for missing crucial free throws.

However, when it was time to suit up for USA Basketball, the two have shown that they can work together. At the FIBA World Cup in Germany, that experience has helped the Iowa native to develop this opinion about her longtime rival.

We’re both fiery, fiery competitors and we want to win and it’s one of the things I really admire about her game. She’s competitive and she has a tremendous motor, like she has one of the best motors in the league. She works just as hard as anybody on the court. So, it’s been fun to to be able to play with her.

Caitlin Clark said

In this interview with the Associated Press, the three-time All-Star was showering praise on Angel Reese, acknowledging that their competitive fire is why they are succeeding together.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have heartwarming moment after win over Czechia

Caitlin Clark might have high praise for longtime college rival Angel Reese, but words said to a journalist might not show up on the court. Thankfully, the two have proved in Berlin that they do understand their tendencies and use that to help Team USA continue their journey towards another gold medal.

Apart from their connections on the court, the two showed why they might have tremendous mutual respect, more than what their one-sided fans might want to believe.

After that game against Czechia, reporters were talking to Reese, who had another great game. Since Clark did not have as good a game, she was excused from media obligations.

However, the latter had to walk past the gathered press to get to the Team USA locker room. At that moment, her college rival was speaking with reporters. Clark apologized to Reese and ducked under the cameras.

The heartwarming moment took place when the latter held out her hand to high-five the Indiana Fever guard, suggesting that she knew the disturbance was not Clark’s fault.

Caitlin Clark talks about the pressure of being on Team USA

While the connection with Angel Reese is improving with every game they play, Caitlin Clark understands the pressure that is on her and the rest of the Young N Turnts.

You don’t want to be the team that everybody talks about because you didn’t win. You want to do what’s expected, and that’s to win a gold medal.

Caitlin Clark said

This is proof that no matter how good they are in the WNBA and while playing together, there is pressure not to be the team that stops Team USA’s run of gold medals.

The Young N Turnts have to do their bit in winning the biggest prize in the face of increasing worldwide competition. For that, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have to work together.

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