Furious Caitlin Clark shuts down reporter over toxic Angel Reese question after USA Gold

C aitlin Clark quickly shut down any attempt to stir controversy after winning the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup gold medal with Team USA, alongside Angel Reese , a player with whom she has long been linked through one of basketball's biggest rivalries.

Following Team USA 's dominant 97-79 victory over France in the final, the Indiana Fever star met with the media. However, as the press conference was wrapping up, a reporter asked whether she and Angel Reese were finally friends .

Clark immediately showed her discomfort with the question and refused to fuel the narrative of a supposed feud with Reese. As she walked out of the media room, she pointed at the reporter and made her stance crystal clear.

Moments later, a Team USA representative approached the reporter following the exchange.

"We always been friends," Clark responded. "Don't try to do that. Don't try to do that."

The Caitlin Clark–Angel Reese rivalry

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have developed one of the most talked-about rivalries in women's basketball.

It all began in the 2023 NCAA championship game , when Reese's LSU defeated Clark's Iowa. Their on-court gestures, the intensity of the matchup, and the constant back-and-forth between them fueled the perception that their rivalry extended beyond basketball.

That storyline continued when both entered the WNBA . Their matchups have been defined by physical play, fierce competition, and heated moments that have consistently drawn the attention of fans and the media.

The World Cup proved they can play together

Despite the media narrative, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have repeatedly shown that they have mutual respect for one another. Their rivalry exists only when they are opponents on the court.

The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup became the clearest example of that. As teammates, they put aside comparisons and controversy to help the United States capture its fifth consecutive world title, sharing celebrations, support, and memorable moments throughout the tournament.

In the gold medal game against France, Clark finished with 12 points and three assists, while Reese added three points and three rebounds in nine minutes , helping Team USA deliver another dominant performance on the biggest stage in international women's basketball.