Shaquille O’Neal Urges Angel Reese to Move On from Rivalry with Caitlin Clark: “Focus on Playing, Not Competing Off the Court”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has weighed in on one of the most talked-about storylines in women’s basketball this season — the ongoing rivalry between Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese and Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark. In a candid moment on a recent podcast appearance, Shaq advised Reese to let go of the competitive obsession with Clark and focus more on her performance and development on the court.
“Caitlin Clark has pulled ahead,” O’Neal stated bluntly. “It’s not about rivalries — it’s about results. The standings don’t lie.”
A rivalry that won’t go away
Ever since their college days, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have been central figures in the new wave of popularity sweeping through women’s basketball. Their memorable 2023 NCAA championship clash — where Reese’s LSU triumphed over Clark’s Iowa — ignited debates and fan rivalries that have followed them into the WNBA.
Now in the professional league, the comparisons continue. From media headlines to social media debates, Clark and Reese are constantly measured against each other in stats, popularity, and impact on the court.
Shaq’s tough love for Reese
As a former LSU star and a mentor figure to Angel Reese, Shaquille O’Neal’s comments carry significant weight. However, he didn’t mince words when asked about how Reese should handle the growing narrative.
“She’s a talented young player,” Shaq acknowledged. “But all this focus on Caitlin is distracting. You can’t chase someone else’s shadow — you’ve got to make your own.”
Shaq went on to point out that the current WNBA standings reflect a growing gap between Clark’s Fever and Reese’s Sky, reinforcing Clark’s influence on her team’s trajectory.
“Clark is changing games. That’s leadership. That’s growth,” he said. “Angel’s got to stop reacting and start dominating.”
Fan reactions split
O’Neal’s comments have sparked strong reactions online. Some fans praised his honesty, agreeing that Reese should prioritize development and block out outside noise.
“Shaq’s right. The obsession with Caitlin Clark has to stop,” one X (formerly Twitter) user posted. “Reese has so much potential, but her focus seems off.”
Others, however, defended Reese, arguing that the media has perpetuated the rivalry and placed unrealistic expectations on both women.
“Let Angel be Angel,” a fan responded. “It’s not her fault the media keeps throwing Clark’s name into everything she does.”
The reality on the court
Caitlin Clark’s recent performances have turned heads. Despite a rocky start to her WNBA career, Clark has improved steadily and is now helping to transform the Indiana Fever into a playoff contender. Her passing, scoring, and floor leadership have started to match the hype that followed her historic college career.
Meanwhile, Angel Reese has shown flashes of dominance with Chicago, especially on the boards and defensively. However, her overall impact has been less consistent, and the Sky’s struggles in the standings haven’t helped quiet the critics.
Shaq’s message: Eyes forward
Ultimately, O’Neal’s comments may come from a place of tough mentorship. As someone who dominated the NBA through focus and relentless self-improvement, Shaq knows the importance of blocking out distractions — especially those that come from constant comparisons.
“You don’t win by talking. You win by showing up, shutting down, and shining,” he concluded.
Summary
Shaquille O’Neal’s advice to Angel Reese is clear: stop fixating on the rivalry with Caitlin Clark and concentrate on elevating her game. With both players under the national spotlight, the next phase of their careers will depend not on headlines, but on performance — and who can rise above the noise.
