Magic Johnson Takes Clear Stance On Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Rivalry
12/20/2024 05:06 PM
Caitlin Clark's rivalry with Angel Reese has been one of the most discussed parts of women's basketball over the last few years.
It started during their time in college and has carried over to the WNBA. Clark has insisted that people have overblown the rivalry and has even said that her controversy with Reese was "fabricated."
"I don't get that at all," Clark said, via TIME.com. "We're not best friends, by any means, but we're very respectful of one another. Yes, we have had tremendous battles. But when have I ever guarded her? And when has she guarded me?"
"The only thing people cared about was this controversy that was really fabricated and made up, and then that has continued to be the case ever since."
Even though Clark feels that way, Johnson said that he "loves" their rivalry.
"I love it," Johnson said this week, (first transcribed by Sports Illustrated). "They dominated in college, and then they brought it over to the WNBA just like we brought it to the NBA and now, everything that these young ladies have been fighting for, they're about to get."
Clark and Reese both had outstanding rookie campaigns in 2024, Clark won WNBA Rookie of the Year and helped the Indiana Fever get to the WNBA Playoffs, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game.
While Reese didn't get the Chicago Sky to the playoffs, she was still great, averaging 13.6 points and 13 rebounds per game. She'll try to secure her first playoff berth when the 2025 WNBA season gets going in the spring.
It's going to be awesome watching these two compete against one another next year when the Fever and Sky play.
Related: Caitlin Clark Uses One Word To Describe 'Rivalry' With Angel Reese
