Many would argue there’s not a lot in common between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Even when the two names are brought up together, it’s mostly because of their ‘rivalry’. Although there are some things common between the two WNBA stars: their frustrations with the officiating and standing up for their teammates.

Both players were snubbed for the Paris Olympics but are now repping Team USA across their chest in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. And one thing that they continue to do is be the leading voices of the team, even on the court. So, when a call went against Reese during the first qualifiers, Clark crossing with the referee shouldn’t be a surprise, right?

Team USA faced Team Senegal in their first qualifier tonight and they showed their dominance on both sides of the ball. But another thing that gave us a flashback of the 2024 WNBA All-Star where Clark and Reese played on the same team became the highlight of the night.

With just 2:27 remaining in the fourth quarter and Team USA leading 90-40, the game was virtually over. However, the competitive fire did not. As Reese went for a 2-point jump shot, Senegal’s Khadija Faye blocked the shot, sending it out of bounds. If the ball goes out of the bounds, the last one to touch it loses the possession. However, Faye got the ball instead.

Reese furiously made her point to the referee that the ball was tipped and she was fouled on the shot. Interestingly, as the camera zoomed out, we see Clark in her No. 12 jersey supporting Reese’s case. See for yourself:

The referee did not budge and the two stars stomped off the court. What was even more interesting was their in-sync pace while doing so. The team finished with 110-46 with Rhyne Howard leading in points, Clark with an assists double-double, and Reese in rebounds. The fans, naturally, went into a frenzy mode after seeing them.

WNBA Community Calls For Peace After Caitlin Clark And Angel Reese’s Referee Protest

Clark and Reese have repeatedly clarified that the rivalry narrative around them was fabricated by the fanbases and not the two players. In fact, they have mutual respect for each other. And the competitive fire comes on the floor because they are passionate about the game of basketball, which is often taken as a rivalry. But who would tell the fans, right?

“Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese going at the Ref together ……. I’ll allow it,” commented a fan. They not only protested in sync but also looked pretty gelled together on the court. Clark was contested at the three-point and she dropped a dime to Reese in the paint. She laid it in.

Clark eventually finished with 12 assists and 17 points, while Reese collected eight rebounds on top of scoring six points. And that was just on their debut, as they will only get better with time. Remember how the moment when Clark passed the ball to Reese during their WNBA All-Star debut became a talking point at how good their chemistry could be? It was once again visible on the world stage.

“They play well together, just watch something special 🔥👏👏🏾🙌🙌🏾,” wrote another fan. Clark is the ideal point guard for Reese, who has been missing one at Chicago Sky. Courtney Vandersloot was injured and Reese had to move away from her traditional forward position. But with Clark, she can forget about everything else and just do what she does best, play around the rim. Despite the rivalry, they actually fit pretty well together. And from this game it seems even that is in the past.

“World peace is possible,” joked another fan. Clark and Reese have been matched against each other in the WNBA so many times that many, including Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, have called them Larry Bird and Magic Johnson of this generation.

When they teamed up to be on the same side, it was something different than what fans expected to see. However, some were waiting for this moment, rooting for Clark and Reese to show the world that there is little personal hate in their feud.

“Of course she fought for her!!! I love watching them play together,” wrote a fan. Well, they are at the Qualifiers with two causes. To win each and everygame, regardless of the fact that they have already qualified, and to make their case for a spot in the World Cup later this year. Same goals mean there is little conflict. Both have already made it clear that everything between them so far was motivated by competitive fire and nothing else. 

“It’s funny cuz these players be cool with each other. It’s the fans that are weird,” opined another fan.

Clark even went all the way from the backcourt to motivate Reese as she was taking throws. When Clark was fouled at the end of the fourth quarter, it was Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese giving her support to stand back up. The media, the fans, the analysts and everyone can sometimes overblow a situation. Conflict is beneficial for them.

The Clark vs. Reese opening game of 2025 remains the most watched game in WNBA history. It is largely because of the previous narratives aggregated in the media. Some are real, some are not. Regardless of whether they like each other or not, they keep it aside while playing for the country. Team USA will next take the court against Puerto Rico on March 12 at 8 pm ET.