Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark’s rivalry started the way many expected. A double-double for the Sky forward, meanwhile, CC notched her first triple-double of the season. Apart from them performing, both clashed on court; needless to say, it caused a lot of drama. From the media houses to fans, once again, the battle line is drawn, and we have Gilbert Arenas and his crew take on the current situation.

Clark logged 20 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds; Reese answered with 12 points and 17 boards in Indiana’s 93‑58 rout. The Fever went on to crush the Sky to start 1-0. Sheryl Swoopes, long a vocal supporter of the Bayou Barbie, joined the debate. What began as a hard common foul on Reese was upgraded to a Flagrant 1. Swoopes believed it was a foul, while the other Arena’s member didn’t believe so. Then the discussion moved further when Gil highlighted the different behavior of Reese.

Reese lunged toward Clark, only to be held back by Aliyah Boston, drawing technical fouls on both players. Many believe this reaction happened only because CC was on the other end. Swoopes dismissed that narrative.” First of all, I think if anybody fouls Angel like that, she’s going to have that reaction. I don’t care who would have fouled Angel like that, she’s going to jump up with that.” THE WNBA icon feels the reaction would have been the same if any other player had fouled the Sky forward.

That’s when Gilbert Arenas reminded everyone of last year’s on-court altercation between Angel Reese and Alyssa Thomas from last season. “What about that body slam from Thomas?” asked Arenas. Swoopes’ answer felt underwhelming. “Well, she jumped up, huh, she jumped up.” But the Warriors star mocked Angel Reese’s action in that game. Later, Kenyon Martin cut to the chase.

“So you said since the girl pushed in her chest, she ain’t she ain’t acknowledge her. But she didn’t sniff the arm your a– and stopped you in your track. Like where the f— you going she didn’t.” Martin simply wanted to know why Angel Reese did not charge towards Thomas after she brought the Sky forward down last season. In fact, the call from the officials changed to ejection after initially ruling it out as Flagrant Foul II.

Despite on-court differences, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark remain united

The two have clashed before, and it got over 12.3 million television viewers. Before the WNBA rivalry, they clashed for the 2022-23 national championship. ‘You can’t see me’ taunt became popular, and Angel Reese won the matchup. Next year, Clark got her win as the Hawkeyes beat the Tigers. Then it continued in the WNBA, when the Sky celebrated with a ‘Barbie theme night’ and Shaquille O’Neal was in attendance, but CC once again emerged victorious.

Naturally, one can say there is a rivalry, but there is no hatred between the two. Which they have been echoing for a very long time, and once again shared it on Saturday. The Fever guard called it a regular “take foul” and an attempt to stop Angel Reese from scoring easy buckets. “Let’s not make it anything it’s not…It’s a take foul to put them at the free throw line rather than give up two points.” She emphasized that there was no malicious intent.

Reese agreed with the sentiment. In her post-game press conference, she said it was “a basketball play” and did not elaborate any further. Off the court, the fierce competition has translated into meaningful friendship. After the 2023 title game, both athletes were spotted exchanging jerseys and sharing congratulatory messages on social media. A clear display of their mutual admiration even amid battle lines.

Interestingly, we saw improvements from both stars as Reese started scoring and attempting more from beyond the arc than last season. Meanwhile, Clark’s turnover issue at the beginning of last season was not visible this year.