Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, rookies in the WNBA class of 2024, are off to a terrific start. Reese has been a double-double machine for the Chicago Sky, and Clark is settling into her role as the Indiana Fever’s go-to scorer and facilitator. In the midst of their polarising conflict, Barstool Sports owner Dave Portnoy unleashed a scathing diatribe on the two stars.
Portnoy shared his ideas during a podcast episode with Patrick Beverley.
“Angel Reese is an excellent player… She’s exceptional at offensive rebounding. Clark’s playing style, similar to Steph Curry’s, has attracted audiences. “I don’t like it when people make [the rivalry] racially charged,” Portnoy told Pat Bev Pod.
“I would prefer it if Angel just ate it. If she just said, ‘I f*****g detest [Caitlin Clark], and I’m going to go after her and make her life miserable. But she does not do that. “She acts that way, and then she acts as if people are making it up,” Portnoy continued.
Dave Portnoy emphasised Reese’s title ring gesture to Clark following LSU’s victory over Iowa in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. He also observed Reese standing up and clapping when Chennedy Carter knocked Clark to the floor during the Sky-Fever game on June 1st. Nonetheless, Reese has publicly said that she harbours no ill will against Clark. For example, referees issued a flagrant 1 to Reese after she accidentally swiped Clark’s head during a block attempt during the June 16th contest. Clark later supported Reese’s claim that the tragedy was caused by a basketball play.
Portnoy wants Reese to embrace the competition and develop a dislike for Caitlin Clark, but the rookie forward is focused on the big picture.
Angel Reese wants the Sky to be great, much like Caitlin Clark does the Fever.
Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark pose for photos before the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Despite only 22 years old, Reese has already made her mark on the WNBA record books. The former LSU women’s basketball player has seven consecutive double-doubles, the most ever by a rookie. Through 14 games, Reese has averaged 12.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.9 steals. Reese provided reporters some motivating insights following her historic game against the Dallas Wings on June 20th.
“I only want to win. I came to Chicago to win. Fortunately, I was picked seventh overall and came to Chicago, where I have thrived with fantastic teammates and coaches. “There’s a great atmosphere and culture here that really loves me, and that’s what matters to me,” Reese stated during the post-game press conference.
Similarly, Caitlin Clark is committed on doing her best to help the Fever succeed. She spilled a bombshell on the increasing rumours between her and Reese.
“I’m pretty sure the only people that view this as a rivalry are all of you (media),” Clark stated during Indiana’s victory over the Atlanta Dream on June 21st, according to ClutchPoints’ Fever Reporter Matthew Byrne. “To us, it’s just a game of basketball. That’s how it is. And if it helps bring the game ahead, I’m all for it. That is wonderful. That’s how it should be.
Clark and Reese will compete in another tough encounter on June 23rd at Wintrust Arena. It will be interesting to see which squad comes out on top after Dave Portnoy’s intriguing comments.
