From The Banner · Kyle Goon · · 3m
Clark and Reese end the rivalry narrative
Two basketball stars teamed up for gold and finally proved their friendship is real, not a marketing ploy.
In brief
Two basketball stars teamed up for gold and finally proved their friendship is real, not a marketing ploy. Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have repeatedly said their rivalry exists only on court, and their World Cup gold medal together should end the false narrative that they're enemies. Originally reported by The…
Two stars, one tired question
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have answered "Are you guys friends now?" roughly a million times over 3.5 years. Clark finally snapped at a reporter: "We've always been friends."
“"We've always been friends. Don't try to do that."”
The rivalry that never was
In 2023, after Reese celebrated LSU's championship in Clark's face, Clark said Reese shouldn't be criticized. A year later, Reese said they don't hate each other. Their words have been consistent.
“"Me and Caitlin Clark don't hate each other."”
Gold medal proves the point
At the FIBA World Cup in Berlin, Reese and Clark wore the same jersey, won gold together, and sat next to each other on the bench. They've now shown their friendship in action.
Some fans won't accept the truth
Certain commentators and fans invested in the rivalry narrative refuse to believe Clark and Reese are friends, no matter what evidence appears. They've created a story stronger than the players' own words.
Racist tropes fueled the feud
Bad faith commentators have used ugly racist tropes to criticize Reese, turning a basketball rivalry into something far uglier. The narrative has always been about more than just sports.
The Magic and Bird comparison
The Clark-Reese dynamic echoes Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, but with a darker history. Bird became a symbol of white achievement partly because fans suddenly cared about basketball when it had a white star.
Forced into racial conflict
Clark and Reese have become unwilling avatars of racial tensions in women's basketball. They never asked to be proxies in a conflict beyond the court, yet the narrative persists.
Their causes aren't competing
Reese wants to inspire young Black girls to dream big. Clark advocates for gender equality. These goals don't conflict, yet the false rivalry suggests one star succeeds only at the other's expense.
On court rivals, off court teammates
When wearing different jerseys, Clark and Reese compete fiercely. When on the same team, they make "beautiful music" together. The World Cup proved what they've always said.
Chemistry built on respect
Reese explained they've played each other so many times they know each other's game inside and out. They'll be USA teammates for years, building chemistry based on mutual understanding.
“"We know each other's game like the back of each other's hand."”
Time for new questions
With years of Reese and Clark ahead as teammates, it's time to stop asking if they're friends and start asking what they'll accomplish together.
The headline
Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have repeatedly said their rivalry exists only on court, and their World Cup gold medal together should end the false narrative that they're enemies.
