Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been pivotal figures in the recent surge of interest in women’s college basketball. Their exceptional performances, coupled with growing marketing opportunities and an intense on-court rivalry, have contributed significantly to the sport’s popularity.
Since being drafted into the WNBA earlier this year, their impact has extended to the professional level, where both players have already begun to make waves in the league. This Saturday marks a significant milestone as Clark and Reese face each other for the first time in the WNBA.
**Meeting in the big leagues:**
Clark and Reese’s paths first crossed in the 2023 women’s basketball national championship game, where Reese’s LSU defeated Clark’s Iowa to claim the title.
This game became notable not just for the competition but also for a memorable gesture from Reese towards Clark, reminiscent of WWE star John Cena’s “you can’t see me” taunt, followed by a ring gesture that sparked significant discussion and thrust women’s college basketball into the mainstream.
Despite this, both players have moved past the incident. Clark went on to become the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history, and both made deep runs in the NCAA tournament, with Iowa falling just short to South Carolina.
Their stellar collegiate careers culminated in being drafted into the WNBA, with Clark as the top pick by the Fever and Reese selected seventh by the Sky.
Both teams have faced challenges early in the season, with the Fever at 1-8 and Chicago at 3-3. Clark has had a dynamic start to her WNBA career, averaging 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, although leading the league in turnovers at 5.7 per game. Reese has contributed 11 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game for the Sky.
This matchup promises to be a compelling continuation of their rivalry, now on the professional stage, adding another chapter to their intertwined careers.
