Caitlin Clark Goes Viral for Ignoring Angel Reese

Safe to say, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have never had a good bond, though both players have consistently clarified that their intensity is strictly professional. Their bad blood started with Reese’s post-win taunting gestures at the 2023 NCAA championship, when her LSU Tigers beat Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes, and they carried that feud into the WNBA.

In the league, they have become two of the league’s most polarizing figures since entering in 2024. Now, suiting up together for the red, white and blue hasn’t exactly buried it either.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22)© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

During Team USA’s 91–48 victory over Puerto Rico in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament on Thursday, a second-quarter sideline moment has since turned viral online.

As the Indiana Fever guard checked into the game, slapping hands with her teammates with 4:56 left in the half, she came face-to-face with Reese, who had her hand extended. But Clark turned away and walked in the opposite direction. Every bit of the brief, cold interaction was caught on broadcast camera.

On the court, Clark had a clunky performance against Puerto Rico, finishing with eight points, two assists and three rebounds in 18 minutes while shooting 2-of-6 from the field.

Reese was more efficient in this matchup, posting the game’s only double-double with 10 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, which is a new U.S. record for a Women’s World Cup qualifier.

Their combined game improves Team USA’s record to 2-0, but folks on the internet weren’t interested in giving anyone the benefit of the doubt after their viral moment.

“Hella disrespectful and that does look intentional sadly,” one viewer wrote.

Another added, “It’s how Reese was waiting for her turn, held her hand out in team spirit and Caitlin acted like she was wearing white.”

A third fan claimed, “I can’t see CC leaving her teammate hanging like that. But I admit, it’s not a good look.”

The fourth one claimed, “Reese has made her entire brand hating Clark.”

A fifth fan remarked, “Reese will not pass the ball to CC. She either tries to play the point guard position herself or she passes it to someone else.”

Team USA is back in action Saturday against Italy, with tipoff scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast live on truTV and available for streaming on HBO Max. Clark and Reese will pull on the same red jersey again. And after this viral moment, all eyes will be on whether the vibe between the two superstars improves on the court.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Caitlin Clark Goes Viral for Ignoring Angel Reese

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