Team USA is in the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Cup, with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese among the younger, first-time players on a roster full of WNBA stars. They have been key players off the United States' bench, providing instant energy and hustle, along with their unique skills on the basketball court. Both players were big off the bench against Czechia in Team USA's final Group Phase matchup and will likely play a significant part in the quarterfinal game against Hungary.
The 's Doug Feinberg spoke with Clark about what it's been like at the event in Berlin, Germany, seeing Reese as her teammate rather than a WNBA opponent. "We’re both fiery, fiery competitors and we want to win and it’s one of the things I really admire about her game. She’s competitive and she has a tremendous motor, like she has one of the best motors in the league.
She works just as hard as anybody on the court. So, it’s been fun to to be able to play with her," Clark said. "Fiery" is definitely a great word to describe the two players, especially this WNBA season, where they are tied with Team USA teammate Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury, with seven technical fouls apiece, to lead all WNBA players.
More news: Team USA Coach Addresses Not Starting Caitlin Clark at FIBA World Cup Many saw Clark and Reese as potential WNBA rivals after their clash in the 2023 National Championship Game, where Reese and LSU defeated Clark and Iowa, 102-85, to cut down the nets. Clark then became the Indiana Fever's No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, while Reese went seventh to the Chicago Sky. She's since been traded to the Atlanta Dream, who are among playoff contenders, like Clark's Fever.
In their three seasons, both players have become WNBA All-Stars and record-setting stars with the potential to one day retire among all-time greats. This season, Clark has set records with triple-doubles, scoring, and assists, among other feats. Reese has set impressive rebounding and double-double records.
Ahead of the WNBA playoffs, the two teammates have business to handle at the FIBA World Cup. Last Sunday, Team USA showed potential weaknesses, struggling to pull away from Italy in their second Group Phase game, and ultimately won by three points. Only one player scored in double digits, and the team shot poorly.
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