In the evolving landscape of women’s basketball, a rivalry has emerged that has captured attention—Angel Reese and Caitlyn Clark. While Reese has expressed a desire to emulate Draymond Green’s competitive spirit, many argue that her on-court performance doesn’t quite measure up. This dynamic is particularly intriguing, especially for those who may not typically follow the WNBA.

Recently, ESPN revealed their future plans for Angel Reese after her inaugural WNBA season, and the outlook isn’t as bright as many had anticipated. Some have taken to calling it her “first crying season,” a jab that stings but reflects a growing narrative around her. It’s important to clarify that Angel Reese possesses undeniable talent—there’s no questioning her skills on the court. However, the surrounding drama, frequent complaints, and accusations of bias have somewhat overshadowed what could have been a promising start to her professional career.

ESPN analysts have scrutinized Reese’s performance, offering predictions that range from alarming to enlightening. While she achieved averages of 11.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game—figures that might seem respectable on the surface—there’s more to the story. These stats don’t necessarily indicate a significant impact on her team’s success. Instead, they beg the question: Are her numbers merely a reflection of inflated self-stats rather than game-changing contributions?

One area where Reese could improve is finishing around the rim, as many of her rebounds come off her own missed shots. She did lead all rookies with an impressive 9.2 rebounds per game, but it’s worth noting that a significant number were self-rebounds, raising questions about the true value of those stats. Critics have pointed out that while her double-doubles look impressive on paper, they often stem from a pattern of missed shots rather than stellar gameplay.

Meanwhile, Caitlyn Clark has emerged as a formidable presence, effortlessly sinking shots from long-range while maintaining superior efficiency. Clark’s shooting prowess starkly contrasts with Reese’s 39% shooting percentage from the field, a figure that raises eyebrows given that most of her attempts came from within eight feet of the basket. This discrepancy has turned Reese’s self-rebounding into a running joke, leading some to refer to her as the “queen of patting her own stats.”

The rivalry has become a spectacle, with Reese often basking in the spotlight as the self-proclaimed reason for increased viewership in women’s basketball. However, attendance figures tell a different story. When Reese was sidelined with a wrist injury, WNBA attendance actually rose. In a game against the Connecticut Sun, attendance spiked by 11% compared to the previous home game, indicating that fans might not have been flocking to games solely for her presence.

The 2023 season witnessed a 40% increase in viewership compared to the previous year, but Caitlyn Clark’s influence has been astronomical, resulting in a staggering 400% increase. Conversely, when Clark was absent, TV ratings dipped significantly, illustrating the undeniable difference in their impacts on the league.

As the season unfolded, it became increasingly clear that Reese’s bravado was at odds with the reality of her performance and team success. Playing for a team that finished with a disappointing 13-27 record and missed the playoffs, Reese’s contributions were underwhelming. In contrast, Clark not only led her team to its best record since 2015 but also excelled in assists, averaging almost 20 points per game.

The comparison between the two rookies has become unavoidable, and while Clark is celebrated as the WNBA’s next big star, Reese finds herself in an awkward position where her confidence is increasingly questioned.

Reese’s narrative has taken a turn, particularly after being ejected from a game, as she attempts to embrace the villain role in this rivalry. However, rather than portraying her as a fierce competitor, it has painted her as someone struggling to keep up. She even went so far as to allege media bias and criticize Clark’s fans, claiming they held racist sentiments. Yet, WNBA fans are known for their loyalty to genuine talent, preferring underdog stories grounded in authenticity rather than drama.

The irony is palpable—while attempting to play the role of a villain, Reese now finds herself in a precarious position. Being a villain can be compelling, but it only works when paired with undeniable on-court success. Currently, she finds herself overshadowed by Clark’s achievements, which are rooted in humility and hard work.

As the rivalry continues to unfold, Reese faces mounting pressure for her sophomore season. The narrative that she has constructed around herself is beginning to unravel, and without substantial improvement in her game, her claims of being a game-changer will ring hollow. Clark, meanwhile, continues to gain endorsements and media attention, further solidifying her position as a fan favorite.

In the end, while the scoreboard tells the real story, it’s clear that unless Reese undergoes a significant turnaround, this rivalry will continue to expose her weaknesses rather than elevate her game. Clark’s performance speaks volumes, leaving Reese with the challenge of shifting the narrative before it’s too late.