Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s fanbases have been on a roller coaster during their Team USA stint. Initially, during their debut, the two fanbases, who are usually rivals, united when Clark protested against the referee with Reese. In the same game, Reese and Paige Bueckers helped Clark up after a hard foul, further spreading the unity. After that, things seem to have returned to normal, as the fan wars have restarted yet again.

During the second game against Puerto Rico, Clark checked in and dapped everyone who was being substituted out. As she was going to her position, Reese held her hand out for a greeting. But for some reason, Clark turned towards the ball and completely left her hanging. Now, maybe Clark didn’t see her at all, but fans raged on social media, criticizing Clark.

As in the third game against Italy, a similar incident occurred with Clark, albeit Reese was nowhere in the picture. As the team was reentering the court after a timeout in the 2nd quarter, Clark went for the regular handshakes. However, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young rushed onto the court without acknowledging Clark. While Gray did look back at the end, the fans, quickly grasping this opportunity, have trolled Caitlin Clark.

Angel Reese Fans Claim Payback After Caitlin Clark Gets Ignored By Team USA Veterans

“I don’t think they saw her but I really, really hope they did,” wrote a fan. While you might not get this outright, this is a reference to Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy’s reaction to Clark ignoring Reese in the second game. He, a Clark fan, subtly mocked Reese with that message. Or, at least that’s how some fans took it. That is one of the major reasons the moment went viral. Now, they are replying with the same phrase; a full circle moment. 

“They just giving her, her own medicine ,those are AR girls,” wrote another. Power dynamics in the Team USA setup are shaped right from the start. This is a team of stars and youngsters built for the future. The ones who take the center stage here can be at the top of the Team USA food chain for a long time.

“I can’t really speak to USA Basketball in general,” Arike Ogunbowale said after her 2024 Olympics withdrawal. “But just when I think of women’s basketball … politics is always surrounding it.” So, the fans naturally want their favorite player to become the face for the national team.

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Veterans like Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young already hold established roles within the national setup, while younger stars such as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are still carving out their place. That’s why even harmless moments on the court quickly get magnified online, with fans reading them as signals of respect, hierarchy, or shifting influence within Team USA. But most know that these incidents are insignificant. 

“They def didn’t see her and didn’t mean it 😭😭 funny either way tho,” wrote a fan. “Idiots think they did this on purpose lmao. They didn’t see her the way she didn’t see Angel 😂,” opined another. Clark and Reese have become a very effective duo for Team USA. Tactically, they are a great fit.

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark’s pick-and-roll could become a staple in the future. Clark is finding Reese’s cuts as if they had been playing together for years. So, their personal rivalry hasn’t escalated. However, once they return to their franchises, it’s very likely that the competitive sides in both turn on, and we’re back where we were last season. Team USA shares the same goal. They could become a key part of the team at the World Cup in September, especially after their standout performances these past three games.