Angel Reese said she is willing to put her rivalry aside with Caitlin Clark, but admitted there might be an expiration date.
“That’s what everybody wants to see,” Reese told ESPN on Friday before she and Clark will join forces in the WNBA All-Star Game Saturday night. “I’m looking forward to it. Everybody can wear their ‘Get Along’ shirts together for one day, at least.
“So, I know a lot of people are going to come and watch us, to see all of us, but there’s a lot of talent within both rosters of the teams, so they’re in for a good one.”
The college rivalry that’s shifted to the WNBA has contributed to much of the growth the league has seen over the past few months.
Angel Reese (L) and Fever guard Caitlin Clark (second from left) stand with their teammates as they shoot half court shots during WNBA All-Star practice on Media Day. Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
The June 23 meeting of the Fever and Sky — one of three matchups so far this season — was the most-watched WNBA game in 23 years with 2.302 million viewers tuning in on ESPN.
That came after a June 16 game that recorded an average of 2.25 million viewers with a peak of 3 million to watch Clark take down Reese, 91-83.
Reese also earned a flagrant 1 foul during the June 16 game after whacking Clark in the head while trying to block the No. 1 draft pick’s shot in the third quarter.
The Fever have won two of the three games against the Sky and moved ahead of them in the standings and into a playoff spot.
The Sky are only one seed behind, however.
The pair are the first two rookies to be a part of the WNBA All-Star Game since 2014.
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) is guarded by Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on June 1, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
“We haven’t had a talk yet, obviously everybody can cheer for us both for one day — it’s going to be cool. I’m excited, this is going to be the first of many,” Reese told ESPN on Friday.
“We’re going to be on All-Star teams together in the future, Olympic teams together (holds up crossed fingers) in the future too. I’m just excited just to be here in this moment. I’m happy.”
On Thursday, Clark even had a prediction for Reese’s performance in the All-Star Game.
“She’s certainly probably going to lead the game in rebounds. I expect that out of her that’s just what she does,” Clark said Thursday night.
At Friday’s practice for Team WNBA, Reese won a friendly half-court shot competition, beating Clark, who previously expressed the same sentiment in looking forward to teaming up.
A view of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese merchandise for sale during WNBA All Star Skills Night at Footprint Center. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
“It’s super rare to be here as a rookie and then to have two of us is really great overall,” the Fever star told reporters Friday. “I think it’s going to continue to help grow the game.”
Following the All-Star Game, the WNBA will take a break until Aug. 15 for the Olympics, which will give the rookies a much-needed break after jumping into the pro game almost directly from college.
Both Reese and Clark will not be playing for Team USA in Paris.
“I’ve been playing basketball for a year straight,” Clark said. “It’s not an easy thing to just show up to and shoot off of a rack. It’s not something I’ve ever done before. It’s not something I’ve had a lot of time to practice.”
