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Team USA’s women’s basketball squad delivered a dominant performance against Senegal, securing a 110-46 victory in their Group A World Cup 2026 Qualifiers opener. However, social media lit up over a fleeting, possibly awkward, exchange between WNBA All-Stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
The moment in question unfolded with 4:56 left in the second quarter at the Coliseum Jose Miguel Agrelot in Puerto Rico during a substitution. As players rotated on and off the court, Clark, the Indiana Fever star, was seen acknowledging her teammates. She fist-bumped Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, then shared a handshake with Monique Billings.
Reese, who was also entering the game, appeared to reach out for a quick hand slap with Clark. However, Clark seemed to turn away and look elsewhere, leaving Reese with her hand momentarily suspended in the air.
It remains unclear if Clark genuinely saw Reese in that specific instant. A moment later, Rhyne Howard approached to complete the hand slap with Reese.
The incident quickly caught the attention of Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who weighed in on the matter, playfully hoping that Clark intentionally sidestepped Reese. “I don’t think Caitlin saw Angel, but I really, really hope she did,” Portnoy quipped.
This comment predictably fueled the ongoing “rivalry” narrative that has shadowed the two stars since their college days. Despite both Clark and the Chicago Sky forward consistently dismissing any personal animosity, fans and media alike often interpret their interactions through this competitive lens.
Both athletes have repeatedly emphasized that their on-court competition is purely professional. Following LSU’s 2023 national championship victory over Iowa, Reese and her teammates maintained there was no bad blood. Clark echoed this sentiment, stating she had “nothing but respect” for Reese and that criticisms directed at her were underserved.
In a later interview with Time, Clark elaborated that social media often exaggerates the narrative surrounding their alleged feud. “We’re not best friends, by any means, but we’re very respectful of one another,” Clark clarified.
Reese further explained their relationship, stating, “I don’t think people realize it’s not personal. If I see you walking down the street, it’s like, ‘Hey, girl, what’s up?
Let’s hang out.’ I think people just take it like we hate each other.”
The two have previously played together as teammates in the WNBA All-Star Game and Team USA training camps, where video evidence showed them collaborating without issue. Team USA continues its group stage competition on Saturday against Italy.