Reese and Clark have held a longstanding rivalry since college

n sports, there are moments that leave a lasting impact, forever shaping an athlete’s career and for Angel Reese, that moment came during the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship when her LSU Tigers faced off against Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes.

What started as a competitive battle turned into a career-defining encounter, with Reese‘s actions on the court igniting a nationwide discussion.

The game, played on April 2, 2023, saw Reese‘s LSU team secure a commanding 102-85 victory over Iowa. Reese, named the tournament’s MVP, played a pivotal role in delivering LSU’s first women’s national title.

But beyond the accolades, what truly resonated with fans was the viral moment where Reese pointed to her finger, signaling where her championship ring would soon rest, right in front of Clark.

“My life literally just changed from that game,” Reese told WSJ Magazine in a recent interview.

The Rivalry and Its Impact on Women’s Basketball

Reese‘s gesture became symbolic, drawing attention to the double standards between men’s and women’s sports.

“It’s just a full-circle moment of how women are viewed when it comes to trash-talking. It’s OK in men’s sports. We’re going to normalize that in women’s sports as well,” she explained. “It’s just super-competitive. I think we’re two great competitors.”

The moment between Reese and Clark didn’t just live on in social media debates-it fueled an ongoing conversation about sportsmanship, competition, and gender.

Although the post-game dialogue often veered into divisive territory, including racial and political overtones, Clark herself acknowledged that trash talk is simply part of the game.

The rivalry between Reese and Clark has already become one of the key storylines in women’s basketball, with their encounters on the court drawing attention to the growing popularity of the sport.

Though Reese‘s rookie season in the WNBA was cut short due to a wrist injury and Clark’s ended after a second-round playoff exit, the excitement surrounding their careers continues to build.

“One day, hopefully, we’ll be teammates,” Reese said, highlighting the potential for a partnership that could change the face of women’s basketball.

As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, thanks in part to players like Reese and Clark, their rivalry and shared competitive spirit promise to elevate the sport to new heights.

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