Angel Reese Reacts Strongly After Kamila Cardoso Denies Her As Caitlin Clark’s Rival
The drama in women’s basketball just hit another level, and it’s not even tip-off time.
Angel Reese, one of the most polarizing and dynamic figures in the sport, found herself in the middle of a social media storm this week after fellow WNBA rookie Kamila Cardoso seemingly rejected the idea that Reese was Caitlin Clark’s true rival.
The controversy began during a post-game interview when Cardoso was asked about the rising tensions and storylines building around the WNBA’s newest generation of talent. When the subject of Caitlin Clark’s rivalries came up, Cardoso gave a cool, calculated answer: “I don’t think there’s a real rivalry yet. Caitlin is doing her thing, and we’re all just trying to compete.”
That seemingly innocent remark sent shockwaves through the fanbase — but no one took it harder than Angel Reese.
Known for wearing her emotions on her sleeve, Reese took to social media just hours after the interview clip went viral. Her tweet, which was later deleted, read: “Funny how people act brand new when the cameras are on. I BEEN that one. Put some respect on my name.”
It didn’t take long for fans to speculate: Was Reese feeling slighted? Was this a direct response to Cardoso’s comments? The tension between the WNBA rookies—who only months ago were teammates and opponents in college—has taken center stage in an already electric start to the season.
Reese and Clark’s “rivalry” was born during the NCAA women’s tournament, where LSU’s Reese and Iowa’s Clark traded both buckets and bravado in one of the most-watched college basketball games in history. That fiery matchup was credited with helping skyrocket interest in the women’s game.
But Cardoso, the towering 6’7″ center from South Carolina and the No. 3 pick in the WNBA Draft, seems to be keeping her focus strictly on the game, steering clear of media-driven narratives. When asked to clarify her comments, she later said, “I respect all my teammates and opponents. I’m not into drama — I’m here to win.”
That, apparently, was the real burn — and Reese knew it.
Reese’s subsequent Instagram story featured a clip of her college highlights with the caption: “Let them talk. I’ll show them on the court.” Whether it was a clapback at Cardoso or a general statement of intent, the message was loud and clear: Angel Reese thrives on competition, and she’s not here to play nice.
This off-court rivalry comes at a time when the WNBA is experiencing unprecedented attention. With record-breaking attendance, soaring viewership, and a new crop of charismatic rookies, the league is becoming a hotbed of storylines that rival the NBA in intensity.
And for fans, it’s pure entertainment.
What makes this latest chapter so intriguing is the clash of personalities. Reese is outspoken, bold, and unapologetically confident. Cardoso is calm, reserved, and quietly dominant. Clark is competitive, skilled, and never one to back down. Together, they represent a new era of women’s basketball where rivalries are forged not just in stats and standings, but in attitude and identity.
For Reese, being seen as Caitlin Clark’s rival is more than a headline — it’s about legacy, respect, and proving she belongs among the elite. And if Cardoso won’t crown her as Clark’s greatest challenger, then Reese is more than ready to earn it — one highlight-reel play at a time.
One thing is for certain: when these three share the court again, the world will be watching.
