Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese show unity for Team USA at World Cup amid tense history

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese had their best game together as teammates on Thursday in the quarterfinal round of the FIBA Women's World Cup against Hungary.

Their connection helped lead a historic 108-56 win for Team USA. It also gave fans another look at the growing partnership between two stars whose careers have been defined by competing against each other.

Clark and Reese repeatedly connected during the victory. Clark finished with 10 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals. Reese added nine points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.

Reese said their long history as opponents has made playing together easier.

"Yeah, I mean, weve played against each other so many times. So Im sure we know each others game. Like the back of each others hand. So I just easily dished it off to her. She dished it off to me. She knows my slides. I kind of got one to her today or maybe two. So its fun. We just continue to build chemistry because we know were going to be USA teammates for a while," Reese said in an interview with TNT after the game.

CAITLIN CLARK AND ANGEL REESE MUST NOW WORK TOGETHER AT WOMEN'S WORLD CUP AS WNBA TAKES A HIGH-STAKES BREAK

Both players came off the bench again Thursday, but their shared minutes gave Team USA a combination it may rely on throughout the rest of the tournament. Clark creates scoring opportunities with her passing and outside shooting. Reese provides rebounding, physical defense and pressure around the basket.

While they were on the bench together, they were seen talking and laughing in a now-viral clip.

Their partnership has developed despite a history that has fueled one of the most intense debates in American sports.

The two stars first became permanently linked during the 2023 NCAA championship game. Reese led LSU to a 102-85 victory over Clark and Iowa before directing a "you cant see me" gesture at Clark and pointing toward her ring finger late in the game.

The moment sparked a national argument about sportsmanship, race and perceived double standards. Clark had used a similar gesture earlier in the NCAA Tournament, and she later defended Reese against the criticism she received.

ANGEL REESE AND CAITLIN CLARK EXCHANGE WORDS IN SECOND DREAM-FEVER MEETING IN THREE DAYS

Their rematch in the 2024 Elite Eight became one of the most anticipated games in womens college basketball history. Clark produced 41 points and 12 assists as Iowa defeated LSU 94–87. Reese finished with 17 points and 20 rebounds before fouling out.

The rivalry followed them into the WNBA after the Indiana Fever selected Clark first overall and the Chicago Sky drafted Reese seventh in 2024.

Clark ultimately won the leagues Rookie of the Year award. Reese led the WNBA in rebounding and joined Clark on the All-Rookie team. The constant comparisons between their performances kept the rivalry at the center of the leagues rapid rise in attention.

Their professional matchups also produced tense moments. Reese received a flagrant foul after striking Clark in the head during a 2024 game. In the opening game of the 2025 season, Clark received a flagrant foul for knocking Reese to the floor as Reese attempted to score. Reese quickly confronted Clark before t