If anyone has truly challenged Caitlin Clark for the Rookie of the Year title, it’s been Angel Reese. Unfortunately, the competition took a hit when Reese suffered a season-ending injury. While the Fever rookie’s path to the award may now seem smoother, the abrupt end to her rival’s successful season has deeply saddened the No. 22 on Indiana’s roster.

Before taking on the Atlanta Dream, the team that can replace Chicago from the playoff spot tonight, Caitlin Clark expressed her disappointment in the pre-game conference. “Yeah, it’s obviously very sad. Anytime you see anybody go down with an injury, especially people that you came with into this league like Cam and Angel. And especially Angel like you want to see her finish off this year. Obviously, she had a historic year and she’s done some incredible things and for me, like getting to play against her like her motor is up there, if not the best in the league, like she just doesn’t stop working,” said the current assists leader for the W.

Since being drafted as the seventh-overall pick by Chicago, Angel Reese quickly earned the moniker “Chi-Town Barbie,” and has been a hot topic among basketball enthusiasts. And why not? The LSU product has not just set the record for single-season rebounds but created the league’s longest double-double streak in her debut season. In what was her last game of the season, she scored 24 points along with 12 rebounds against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Recalling her splendid rookie year, even Clark couldn’t resist to appreciate and said, “So you know, congratulations. She had a tremendous year and I thought she came in leading and really did what she’s done while her entire career, as long as I’ve known her.” The two stellar basketball players have kept the rivalry on the back burner time and again to show mutual respect.

Mutual respect and support between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark despite on-court rivalry

The rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark may have gained attention after Reese’s memorable John Cena gesture aimed at the Iowa alum during the 2023 NCAA title game, but both players have made it clear where they stand when outside of the court. In fact, Reese recently expressed her admiration for Clark on her ‘Unapologetically Angel’ podcast, putting any misconceptions to rest. “Caitlin is an amazing player and I’ve always thought she was an amazing player. We’ve been playing each other since high school,” stated the Sky forward.

When the rookies shared the court at this year’s All-Star Game, they made history as the first rookie duo since 2014 to earn that honor. For Reese, the moment was nothing short of exciting as she said, “It’s so cool. I know when she gets the ball I’m running to look for the ball because I know she’s going to throw it. She’s been great to play with.” Well, it’s not just the Chi-Town Barbie, who has shown admiration. Caitlin Clark has also spoken up in support of her fellow rookie.

Earlier, the Fever guard defended Reese, stating “I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all.” Now, with Reese sidelined for the rest of the season, she’ll be cheering from the stands as the Sky fight for a playoff spot. Interestingly enough, she might just find herself rooting for her not-so-rival rival, Caitlin Clark, along the way.