The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese is well-documented. However, a viral moment from Team USAB's game against Senegal in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers game is now showing a different side.

A clip circulating on social media showcased a moment where Clark approached the referee to protest that Reese had been fouled on the possession.

Fans online went berserk for this moment, as the idea of Clark and Reese being on the same team together, let alone defending each other, was foreign to many.

Fans and media have frequently compared Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese ever since their famous showdown in the 2023 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship, where Reese and the LSU Tigers women's basketball defeated Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball 102–85.

Because of their rivalry and continued clashes in the WNBA, Clark’s actions surprised some fans when she seemingly advocated for a foul call that would benefit Reese.

However, many fans believe their respective fan bases exaggerate the perceived animosity between the two players online, as there have always been signs of respect and admiration between the two.

Team USAB easily overcame Senegal in the opening game of the qualifiers, 110-46, as both Clark and Reese showed up to the party. The Fever star scored a double-double (17 points, 12 assists) in her debut, as she did not look like someone who was out injured for over 200 days.

Meanwhile, Reese showed her defensive resiliency, in addition to scoring 6 points and a casual 8 rebounds for someone of her expertise.

Caitlin Clark's Controversy with Referees Continues

Clark defending her teammate, in this case Angel Reese, is nothing new, as she has often voiced her opinions to referees over missed fouls or calls she believes officials overlooked.

The Fever star has also frequently shown visible frustration towards the referees during games, as her animated reactions have gone viral.

Whether it was during her 2024 Rookie of the Year run or during her time in Iwoa, Caitlin Clark has frequently received technical fouls or warnings for her animated interactions with referees.

Even during her injury-ridden period with the Indiana Fever, she used to remain in the spotlight by actively protesting on the sidelines for her teammates.

Fans believe this is part of Clark's competitive nature, especially given how aggressively opponents defend her.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi