Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark squared off in the WNBA for the first time during the Chicago Sky’s 70-71 loss against the Indiana Fever. After the game, Reese commented on the exploding popularity of women’s basketball and her perception as a ‘villain’ compared to Clark for the last two years.
“It all started with the National Championship game and I have been dealing with this for two years now. Understanding that negative things have been said about me, but I’ll take that because look where women’s basketball is.”
Reese emphasized that the women’s game is more popular than ever, with the proof in the attendance of games like Sky vs. Fever.
“People who you think would never talk about women’s basketball are talking about women’s basketball. People are pulling up to games, celebrities, and sold-out arenas. Just because of one single game. So, I’ll take that ‘bad guy’ role and be that for my teammates…”
The 22-year-old forward ended her comments with a slight dig at Caitlin, who has been widely credited for ushering in the new popularity of the WNBA.
“The reason why we’re watching women’s basketball is not just because of 1 person. It’s because of me, too. I want y’all to realize that”
Angel Reese believes the physical play that Caitlin Clark has experienced isn't new to the WNBA
Just more 👀
"The reason why we're watching women's basketball is not just because of 1 person. It's because of me, too. I want y'all to realize that"
More: https://t.co/3fNUxipTTD pic.twitter.com/1YbGG4mWuL
— GNSportsTV (@GNSportsTV) June 3, 2024
Caitlin Clark’s early WNBA career has been marked by a fair few struggles already. She’s averaging 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists on 35.7% shooting, struggling to find her rhythm or efficiency, especially in the face of extremely aggressive defense.
During the Sky vs. Fever game, Chennedy Carter of the Sky hip-checked Clark for no reason, extending a trend of teams aggressively attacking Clark on the court. Reese even cheered Carter for the foul during the game.
Clark played well, putting up 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in the win. Reese couldn’t find her scoring touch and ended with eight points, but managed to grab 13 rebounds.
Reese is averaging 10.6 points and 8.9 rebounds in her WNBA rookie season, with her team having a 3-4 record compared to Clark’s Fever sitting with a poor 2-9 record.
Caitlin Clark Knows She Needs To Adjust To WNBA Physicality
Caitlin Clark was asked about the intensity with which players are coming after her in the WNBA, with the rookie making it clear that she knows she needs to deal with it.
“It is what it is you know. I feel like I’m just at the point where you accept it and don’t retaliate, like you know just let them hit you be what it is. Don’t let it get inside your head and know it’s coming. I think at this point like I know I’m going to take a couple hard shots a game and that’s what it is it.”
Clark mentioned that retaliation on the court against these fouls will lead to worse consequences, so she needs to find a way to continue playing without the intensity bothering her.
“I’m trying not to let it bother me and you know just stay in the game and saying what’s important because usually, it’s the second person that gets caught when if you retaliate or something so just trying to stay in the game and focus on my team and focus on what’s important.”
Various NBA superstars have backed Clark to have heaps of success as a professional in the WNBA. LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Paul Pierce, and more have been entranced by the former Iowa Hawkeye and her scoring prowess as a player. We’ve yet to see it translated fully into the WNBA, but this is likely Clark’s first season of a long career.
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