Stephen A. Smith Reignites the Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese Rivalry
The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese continues to stir debate and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith isn’t backing down from his stance.
It all started during the 2023 NCAA title game, when Reese famously taunted Clark with the “you can’t see me” hand gesture after LSU took down Iowa. From that moment, the two have been locked in a media-fueled comparison. Now both in the WNBA — drafted in the same class and neck-deep in the Rookie of the Year race which Clark won — the spotlight on their every move has only intensified.
The tension hit a new level this season when Clark was hit with a technical foul for a hard play that sent Reese crashing to the floor. Social media lit up. And Smith added fuel to the fire on his podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show.
Read More: Stephen A. Smith Calls Out WNBA Stars for Caitlin Clark Resentment
Smith: “Angel’s Good, But She’s Not That Box Office”
“Angel Reese is popular and she’s valuable,” Smith said. “But she ain’t Caitlin Clark. She’s not that player, and she’s not the box office attraction that Caitlin Clark is.”
Smith stressed that Clark’s marketability isn’t just hype, it’s vital to the league. “If she’s not playing every night, it compromises their numbers, ratings, revenue, attendance. That’s how much weight Caitlin Clark carries.”
Back in June on The Rich Eisen Show, Smith voiced similar thoughts.
“As much as we love Angel Reese because she is special, she’s not Caitlin Clark as a player,” he said. “Clark is next level.”
Smith gave Reese her due, praising her rebounding and presence on the court. But he claimed much of her fame was sparked by her viral moment clapping back at Clark in college, highlighting how their rivalry helped build Reese’s profile.
Injuries Have Cooled the Fire
Just like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson before them, Clark and Reese’s rivalry started in college and has carried into the pros. But, like any great duel, there are lulls.
Clark has already missed 17 games this season due to quad and groin issues. Reese has missed five. While both are still making headlines — especially with Reese stacking up double-doubles — their face-offs have been limited.
That could change soon. The Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky meet again this Saturday, with fans eager for both stars to be healthy and on the court. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. ET in Indianapolis.
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