WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese showed unity at the World Cup qualifiers as Clark returned from an eight-month injury absence to support her Team USA teammate in a disputed referee call
PHOENIX, AZ – JULY 20: Angel Reese #5, and Caitlin Clark #22 of Team WNBA walk during the 2024 WNBA All Star Game on July 20, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)
Caitlin Clark demonstrated her team spirit by supporting Angel Reese during a contentious interaction with the referee at the women’s basketball World Cup qualifiers. This marked a significant comeback for Clark following her extended injury hiatus.
Team USA squared off against Team Senegal in their opening game at the qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico. With only 2:27 left in the fourth quarter and the United States team boasting a substantial 90–40 lead over Senegal, the result was all but confirmed. However, the competitive fervor remained undiminished.
When Reese attempted a two-point jumper, Khadija Faye blocked the shot, sending the ball out of bounds. According to standard rules, possession should go to the team that didn’t last touch the ball, but the officials initially gave it to Senegal. It comes after Sophie Cunningham revealed a strict dating rule that many men can’t follow.
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Reese immediately contested this, asserting that the ball had been tipped and that she had been fouled during the play. As the broadcast camera panned out, Clark – donning the No. 12 jersey – could be seen endorsing Reese’s argument to the referee.
The referee upheld the decision, leading to Reese and Clark walking away in frustration, even seeming to move in unison as they retreated down the court.
Despite the brief disagreement, Team USA sailed to a commanding 110–46 victory over Senegal. Rhyne Howard led the team in scoring, Clark achieved a double-double with assists, and Reese dominated the boards with an impressive rebounding performance.
Clark concluded the game with 17 points and 12 assists, whilst Reese contributed six points and eight rebounds in their first appearance together.
Reese also demonstrated her support for Clark during the match. A photo making rounds on social media captures Reese alongside reigning Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers assisting Clark to her feet following a play.
Angel Reese looks on(Image: Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)
Clark and Reese have consistently rejected the widely publicized rivalry narrative between them, stating that the perceived tension has been largely driven by fan bases and external commentary rather than the players themselves.
Both athletes have stressed that they hold mutual respect for one another, explaining that the intensity witnessed during games comes from their competitive drive and love for basketball rather than any personal conflict.
Clark has previously stood up for Reese against detractors, whilst recognizing the forward’s aggressive, confrontational approach on the court.
Clark’s Team USA debut represented her first game in eight months. The Indiana Fever guard has been out of action since suffering a right groin injury in July before sustaining a bone bruise which kept her out for the rest of the WNBA season.
Team USA faces hosts Puerto Rico on Thursday and is also set to play Italy and New Zealand before concluding the tournament against Spain on Tuesday.