In the world of women’s basketball, few names spark as much debate—or passion—as Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. The two rookies-turned-superstars have been at the center of the WNBA’s meteoric rise in popularity, captivating fans with their skills, charisma, and an unspoken rivalry that dates back to their college days. But a recent stunt by Reese during the inaugural season of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league has reignited the firestorm, drawing both laughter and backlash—and inevitably, comparisons to Clark. The incident? A hilarious, over-the-top moment that’s left fans divided and the internet buzzing.
It all went down during a high-octane Rose Basketball Club game in Unrivaled, the innovative 3-on-3 league co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Reese, playing for Rose BC alongside teammates like Chelsea Gray and Lexie Hull, has been a standout, racking up points and rebounds with her signature flair. But in a match against Phantom Basketball Club, she pulled off a stunt that stole the show—and not necessarily in a good way for everyone. Late in the game, with Rose BC comfortably ahead, Reese intercepted a pass, dribbled coast-to-coast, and instead of going for a simple layup, she launched into an exaggerated, slow-motion dunk attempt—complete with a dramatic pause mid-air and a theatrical wink to the crowd. The ball barely grazed the rim, and she landed with a grin, clearly playing it up for laughs.
The crowd erupted—some in cheers, others in groans—and social media exploded. For many, it was peak Angel Reese: bold, unapologetic, and dripping with personality. “She’s a vibe,” one fan posted on X. “Love how she keeps it fun.” But others weren’t amused. Critics called it “classless” and “attention-seeking,” accusing Reese of disrespecting the game. And, as always, the comparisons to Caitlin Clark came fast and furious. “Caitlin would never,” one commenter wrote. “She plays with heart, not gimmicks.” Another chimed in: “Angel’s out here clowning while Caitlin’s breaking records. Levels to this.”
The Clark-Reese rivalry isn’t new. It traces back to the 2023 NCAA Championship, when Reese’s LSU Tigers toppled Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes, punctuated by Reese’s now-iconic “ring finger” taunt—a nod to the championship jewelry she’d soon wear. That moment turned Reese into a lightning rod, adored by some for her confidence and vilified by others for her bravado. Clark, meanwhile, has been celebrated as the golden child of basketball, her record-breaking scoring and playmaking earning her the WNBA Rookie of the Year title in 2024. Their paths have diverged but never strayed far from the spotlight—or each other.
The Unrivaled stunt has only amplified the narrative. Clark, notably absent from the league’s inaugural season to rest after a grueling year, looms large in the conversation nonetheless. Fans and pundits alike can’t help but contrast Reese’s flamboyance with Clark’s perceived poise. “Caitlin’s the competitor; Angel’s the entertainer,” one analyst remarked on a sports podcast. “One’s building a legacy, the other’s chasing headlines.” It’s a harsh take, but it reflects a broader sentiment: Reese’s antics, while undeniably entertaining, often invite scrutiny that Clark seems to sidestep.
Yet, there’s more to this story than rivalry or backlash. Reese has been vocal about her mission to grow women’s basketball, often alongside Clark, whether they’re pitted against each other or not. “We’ve brought so many fans to this league,” she said on her podcast, *Unapologetically Angel*. “I hope one day we’ll be teammates.” Her Unrivaled performance—stunt and all—drew eyes to a fledgling league, with viewership numbers hitting over 300,000 for its debut games. That’s a fraction of the millions Clark pulled during her WNBA run, but it’s a start—and Reese is a big part of it.
So, was the stunt a misstep or a masterstroke? It depends on who you ask. For every critic decrying her showboating, there’s a fan praising her for keeping things lively. One thing’s clear: Angel Reese isn’t Caitlin Clark—and she’s not trying to be. She’s carving her own lane, one bold move at a time, whether it’s a double-double or a mid-game wink. Love her or hate her, she’s impossible to ignore—and that might just be the point.
