Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark helped bring unprecedented attention to women's basketball.
Clark was the first player selected in the 2024 WNBA Draft, while the Chicago Sky used the seventh overall pick on Reese. The excitement surrounding the two star players has carried over from college to the professional ranks, and Sunday afternoon will mark the second time Reese and Clark have faced off in the WNBA.
But the first clash between Sky and Fever was marred by a controversial foul. Sky guard Chennedy Carter scored a basket late in the third quarter. He then moved to defense and began protecting Clark, who was trying to get open to receive the incoming pass.
But Clark never touched the ball, as Carter hit him on the shoulder, knocking the Fever star to the ground. The referees immediately called Carter with a foul.
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Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky shoots a free throw during play against the Minnesota Lynx during a WNBA preseason game on May 3, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Meanwhile, Reese brings back some special sneakers for the long-awaited rematch. The Sky striker will sport a pair of custom Joker-themed trainers for the Father's Day clash with Fever.
The front of the purple, red and white shoes has a green Reebok logo. A depiction of the Joker's infamous smile is also painted on the front of the sneakers, and the words “Ha Ha” are also visible.
ANGEL REESE CREDITS LSU COACH KIM MULKEY FOR EARLY WNBA SUCCESS
Reese signed a name, image and likeness (NIL) agreement with Reebok last October, and serves as a brand ambassador for the company. Reese also has a collection of Reebok shoes and sportswear.
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While the message of the custom shoes is unclear, some have speculated that the footwear is another sign that Reese is becoming even more accepting of playing the villain.
“It all started in the national championship game,” Reese told reporters on June 3. “I've been dealing with this for two years. I understand, yes, there's probably been negative things said about me, but honestly, I'm going to do it. Take it because look where women's basketball is. People are talking about women's basketball (who) you would never think that I would be talking about women's basketball.
People come to the games. We have celebrities coming to games, sold out stadiums, just for a single game. And just look at that. I will assume that role. I'll take the role of the bad guy. And I'm going to continue to take that on and be that villain for my teammates. If I want to be that, I know I will go down in history. I'll look back in 20 years and think the reason we watch women's basketball isn't just because of one person. It's my fault too. “I want everyone to realize that.”
Reese and Clark faced each other in 2023 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball national championship game. Reese and LSU defeated Clark and Iowa in the matchup, but the Hawkeyes prevailed in early April during the Elite Eight.
reese pointing to his ring finger in the final moments of the 2023 national title game became the enduring image. Since that time, the perceived rivalry between Reese and Clark has been widely discussed.
FILE – LSU's Angel Reese reacts to Iowa's Caitlin Clark during the second half of the NCAA Women's Final Four championship basketball game on April 2, 2023 in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutiérrez, File)
Both players have stated that they respect each other's game and that the rivalry is not bitter or personal.
“Caitlin Clark and I don't hate each other,” Reese said in April during the NCAA tournament. “I want everyone to understand that. It's just a super competitive game. Once I get between those lines, there are no friends. I have a lot of friends on the court that I talk to outside of the game, but when I get between those lines, I don't “We're friends. We're not friends. I'm going to talk nonsense to you. I'll do whatever it takes to get into your head the whole game, but after the game we can kick it.”
Meanwhile, Clark complimented Reese on his competitive spirit, saying, “Angel and I have always been great competitors.”
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever handles the ball against the Washington Mystics at Capital One Arena on June 7, 2024 in Washington, DC. (G Fiume/Getty Images)
Clark added that great talent and competition have helped elevate women's basketball.
“The biggest thing is that women's basketball is in a great place,” Clark said in March.
Reese is averaging 12.2 points and 10 rebounds in her first 12 WNBA games. She said she is having fun as she continues to make the transition from college to the pros.
“It's been great,” Reese told ESPN earlier this season. “Just being able to affect the game in different ways, understanding the transition and just giving myself grace and being patient with everything. I've been able to have fun and grow with every game.”
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Clark averages 15.6 points and 6 assists per game. He tied his career-high 30 points on June 7 in a win over the hapless Washington Mystics.
Kickoff of the nationally televised game is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET.
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