All records and metrics in the WNBA are new, but one thing has carried over from collegiate to professional basketball: the rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. It all began during the LSU-Hawkeyes game, when “Bayou Barbie” was seen making the “you can’t see me” motion at Clark. Clark’s fans immediately flocked to her defence following the game. Since then, the competition has only intensified. However, it is not actually between the two rookies.
This Thursday afternoon, Angel Reese launched the first episode of her new podcast, Unapologetically Angel. Hosting alongside co-host Maya Moore, the Chicago Sky rookie discussed her long-standing feud with Caitlin Clark. “I’ve always felt Caitlin was a terrific player. We have been playing each other since high school. “And knowing that there has never been beef,” she said in Episode 1.
The two grew up loving basketball and have mutual respect. Clark has previously confirmed to this, claiming that their’super competitiveness’ is due to their similarities, which is exactly how it should be. Reiterating their off-court dynamic, Reese pointed out that the Iowa star’s fans have really kept the pot boiling among themselves.
“I believe it is the fans—her fans, Iowa fans, and now Indiana fans—who ride for her. And I admire that, when it is done respectfully. However, it can be really disrespectful at times,” she continued. Reese claims that tracking down the address and receiving death threats were among the few unpleasant replies she has received from Clark supporters. But she knows the Fever rookie will not stand for it.
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“I’m quite confident the only ones who see this as a rivalry are all of you,” Clark said during a recent press conference. However, after hearing the Chicago Sky rookie list all of the harsh hatred she has faced, supporters expect a major response from the Iowa star.
“Speak Up,” fans stand for Reese.
Is Caitlin Clark’s quiet a sign of strength or weakness in her fight with Angel Reese?
Clark has always been open about any enmity that has developed between him and Reese. “I don’t think Angel should be criticised at all,” she told ESPN reporters after Reese’s gesture sparked outrage online. However, fans appear to be looking for more action from Fever No. 22 now. “For CC, you need to speak up,” commented one user, urging on their legend breaking the quiet.
Even Reese has stood up for Clark when necessary, whether in support or to defend herself against Clark’s admirers. “Oh my word, I adore Caitlin. “We’ve been competing since we were in AAU,” she said during LSU’s media day last October. Clearly, it is not between the two rookie studs. So who is advertising it? It is the fans themselves.
But now it’s going the proper way: fans vs. fans. “CC has to open her mouth and face the vitriol that her supporters are spewing before anyone gets hurt,” stated one person. However, the fans are not the only ones to fault here.
“Media always hypes up everything they can for attention,” said another attendee, pointing out the flaws that media outlets exploit. The media also plays a role in fuelling the feud between the two. Swin Cash, Elle Duncan, the rookies themselves, and several fans have all expressed the same opinion.
As a result, fans praised the 22-year-old for perseverance, demonstrating that it wasn’t all hate out there. “You are a superstar for coping with all of that while still being such an outstanding player!!!! You were a contributing factor to the WNBA’s collapse!!! Put some respect on that!!!” One person stood up. “I love you both. “Such fantastic athletes,” another clarified.
Angel Reese currently leads the league in rebounds with 13.2, the most in a single season. She has also continued her double-double streak, recording 26 in all, breaking the previous record by a mile. Off the court, the rookie’s name appears again in merchandise sales and viewership records. The Chi-Town Barbie is unstoppable, no matter how loud the noise.
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