Clark responds to Reese friendship question
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese shared the spotlight once again, but the conversation after Team USA’s latest triumph took an unexpected turn. As celebrations continued following the gold-medal victory, a reporter asked Clark about her relationship with Reese. Her response was brief, direct and quickly drew attention.
What did Clark say, and what does it reveal about the relationship between two of basketball’s biggest stars? Here’s a closer look at the exchange and their journey as Team USA teammates.
Clark rejects the idea that friendship began in Berlin
Clark’s response rejected the suggestion that her relationship with Reese started during the 2026 World Cup. She said they had always been friends while answering a question in the mixed zone.
The two had competed against each other in college and the WNBA before joining Team USA. Her answer followed several days of discussion about their relationship and how they worked together during the tournament.
The exchange followed the championship celebration
The question came shortly after the United States completed its comeback victory over France in the gold-medal game. Clark was speaking with reporters in Berlin when she was asked about her friendship with Reese.
Clark answered firmly and repeated her response before leaving the media area. The moment became part of postgame coverage because the two stars had spent the tournament as teammates.
Team USA rallied from a 14-point deficit
France opened the final strongly and built a 14-point lead during the second quarter. The United States cut the deficit to two points by halftime after Clark hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.
Team USA then took control in the third quarter and finished with a 97-79 victory. Breanna Stewart led the Americans with 22 points, while Jackie Young scored 18 and Copper added 15.
Clark finished the final with 12 points
Clark scored 12 points in 13 minutes during the championship game against France. She made 4 of 5 field-goal attempts, including 2 of 3 from 3-point range, and added 3 assists.
Clark made both of her 3-pointers in the final, including one just before halftime and another during the second half. FIBA lists Clark with 47 points and 32 assists across six World Cup games.
Reese contributed throughout her World Cup debut
Angel Reese played 9 minutes in the final and recorded 3 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block. She shot 1 of 2 from the field and made 1 of 6 free throws.
Across six games, Reese averaged 7.2 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 59.1% from the field. FIBA’s statistics also credit her with 7 steals and 5 blocks.
Clark and Reese first became major rivals in college
Clark and Reese became nationally prominent opponents during the 2023 NCAA championship game between Iowa and LSU. LSU won 102-85, with Reese recording 15 points and 10 rebounds while Clark scored 30 points and added 8 assists.
The programs met again in the 2024 NCAA tournament, when Iowa defeated LSU 94-87 in the Elite Eight. Their college matchups helped establish a rivalry that continued after both entered the WNBA.
Interesting fact: Clark finished the 2026 FIBA World Cup averaging 7.8 points, 5.3 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game across six appearances.
The stars had already been teammates before 2026
Clark and Reese first played together at the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix. Team WNBA defeated the U.S. Olympic team 117-109, with Clark recording 10 assists and Reese finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The 2026 World Cup was different because both represented the United States in a major international championship. USA Basketball listed both among seven players making World Cup debuts.
Interesting fact: Reese played all six World Cup games, totaling 30 rebounds, 7 assists, 7 steals and 5 blocks for Team USA.
Both players praised their partnership during the tournament
Before the final, Reese said she and Clark knew each other’s games well because they had faced each other many times. She also said playing together was fun and that they continued building chemistry as USA teammates.
Clark similarly praised Reese’s competitiveness and work rate during an Associated Press interview. Clark said she admired Reese’s motor and described playing alongside her positively.
The pair helped Team USA before the final
Clark and Reese were part of the United States team that opened the World Cup with a 94-61 victory over China. Clark produced 14 points and 11 assists, while Reese finished with 5 points and 9 rebounds.
Both continued contributing through the knockout rounds. Clark recorded 10 points and 9 assists against Hungary, while Reese posted 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
Their national-team partnership began before Berlin
Clark, Reese and Paige Bueckers played together at the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico in March. The United States went 5-0 there, and Clark was named the tournament’s most valuable player.
That event gave the players experience together before September. Clark later made her senior World Cup debut in Berlin, while Reese also appeared in her first major senior international championship.
The 2026 World Cup was Clark’s major debut
Clark entered the 2026 tournament after years of USA Basketball experience at the junior level. FIBA reported that she had played for three junior national teams before joining the senior national team.
She said the World Cup was special because she grew up watching the U.S. national team. Her six-game campaign ended with a gold medal and 32 assists, the most on the roster.
The internet is also talking about Angel Reese helping Team USA turn 14-point deficit into fifth straight World Cup title.
Clark and Reese now return to WNBA competition
With the World Cup finished, Clark and Reese are set to return to their WNBA teams for the final regular-season stretch. Clark plays for the Indiana Fever, while Reese plays for the Atlanta Dream.
WNBA play resumes September 17, with Atlanta hosting Connecticut that day. Indiana will visit Toronto on September 18. The regular season ends September 24, followed by the first round of the WNBA playoffs on September 27.
In other news, why does Chris Paul’s Clippers relationship keep getting worse?
What do you think about Caitlin Clark’s response to the Angel Reese question? Like this slideshow and comment with your take on their Team USA partnership!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
Read More From This Brand:
