The Unwarranted Comparison: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese

In recent months, the debate over the rising stars of women’s basketball has been heating up, with a particular focus on the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. While both are immensely talented players, comparing them feels almost criminal, as one stands far ahead in terms of skill, impact, and influence.

Imagine a world where the media compared an elite shooter like Steph Curry to a player like Andre Drummond—someone known for doing the dirty work around the basket but not exactly a sharpshooter. This comparison of Clark and Reese is equally absurd. Before Angel Reese’s infamous trash talk following the 2023 NCAA championship game, Caitlin Clark was already an undeniable force in women’s basketball. Clark led the nation in both points and assists, dominating the college basketball scene. So, for anyone to claim that no one was talking about her before that moment is utterly ridiculous.

 

One particular tweet caught attention when it suggested both Reese and Clark should share the Rookie of the Year award, even though Caitlin had clearly outperformed Angel across several key metrics. In their four rookie-year matchups, Clark won three, consistently outshining Reese statistically. In their latest game, Clark posted a dominant 31 points and 12 assists, while Reese seemed more interested in padding her stats than impacting the game. Such comparisons between these two players are misleading and don’t do justice to Caitlin’s extraordinary talent and influence on the game.

The contrast between their off-court personas adds another layer to this debate. Angel Reese recently made headlines when she claimed that the WNBA didn’t pay her enough to cover her $8,000 monthly rent, flaunting her other sources of income. Her attitude came off as tone-deaf, especially when many people struggle to make ends meet. In contrast, Caitlin Clark, despite securing a groundbreaking $28 million deal with Nike—an unprecedented amount in women’s basketball—remains grounded and focused on her craft. Instead of flaunting her wealth, Clark is back in the gym, continuing to improve her game after an exceptional rookie season. Her commitment to growth and improvement shows a clear contrast between her and Reese, who seems more concerned with her image than her basketball skills.

Now, let’s look at what they bring to the court. Caitlin Clark’s game is nothing short of mesmerizing. Her shooting range, ball-handling, and playmaking ability are exceptional, drawing comparisons to some of the NBA’s top players. Watching her play is like watching poetry in motion. However, when you look at Angel Reese’s highlights, you see a different story. Reese relies primarily on shots at the rim, with few attempts from beyond five feet. Her highlights often show her back down defenders or take low-percentage shots that look more like prayers than calculated plays. The contrast in their styles becomes even clearer when you look at their shooting charts. While Clark is hitting shots from all over the court, Reese has made just three three-pointers in 34 games and only 17 shots from outside the paint.

 

The comparison of their rivalry to that of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson is another blasphemy. While Bird and Magic were known for their exceptional all-around skills and basketball IQ, Reese’s game lacks the depth and versatility of these two legends. Caitlin Clark, on the other hand, brings an impressive arsenal of moves, shooting range, and vision on the court, making her a more fitting comparison to greats like Bird or Magic.

In terms of impact, Caitlin Clark has already proven herself to be one of the most transformative players in women’s basketball. After dominating in her rookie season, she is on track to win the WNBA MVP in her second season, with her statistics already surpassing those of past MVPs. Her averages of 19 points, six rebounds, and eight assists are remarkable, and her recent performances have shown she’s only scratching the surface of her potential. With such numbers, Clark is poised to break records and continue rewriting the narrative for women’s basketball.

Caitlin Clark is not just a basketball player; she’s a cultural phenomenon, helping to elevate the profile of the WNBA and women’s sports. While Reese has a lot of potential, it’s clear that she has a long way to go before she can be compared to Caitlin Clark. By 2025, it will be even more evident that Caitlin is on a trajectory to be one of the greatest players of all time, and putting Reese in the same conversation as Clark will seem even more outrageous.

The reality is simple: Caitlin Clark is transforming women’s basketball. Comparing her to Angel Reese at this stage only undermines the incredible impact Clark is having on the sport. As the WNBA continues to grow, one thing is clear—Caitlin Clark is the future, and she’s already on track to change the game.