The pair had been conjuring opposite opinions from the supporters and the detractors ever since LakeShowYo put up a side-by-side comparative performance analysis for consideration. The tweet turning dry statistics against each other soon grew into a playground for supporters and critics, with undue praise prompting linear dismissal.
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With sharpshooting and play-making skills, Caitlin Clark has been a force in women’s basketball, with rebounding in her own way having been imitated by Angel Reese. Clark entered the corridor with her 20 points and well-rounded performance set against Reese’s 17 rebounds and ineffective shooting. This mere stat-line set the public aflame with fiery rejoinders.
One never stopped condemning her. “Clownishly selfish,” Peter Garrett went on to praise Clark for her ability to impact the game in ways other than just scoring. “Clark scored 20 points and helped to add at least 20 more through assists. As well as preventing at least 8 points by the other team. Reese just shoots, misses, shoots, misses, over and over again like a toddler.” A great divide came about in the comments, with some agreeing and others finding it unfair.
Others countered, praising Reese’s hustle and rebounds. “Double Doubles, I like it,” said TripleOSmoooth. He was recognizing her ability to get the numbers even if her shot was off. Another user, EASY MONEY $NIPEHER, told the forum, “I see elite hoops on both ends,” refusing to pick a side in the debate.
Then the topic took a turn into NBA comparison territory. In a weird twist, user Frankie Lovehall wondered if the same thing for Jokic had ever crossed his mind while watching him play, sparking that mini-debate about whether Reese’s rebounding validated her shooting woes. Jokic at least has a decent field goal percentage unlike Reese: CardsHoney retorted, “No because Jokic can consistently make 3-foot shots.”
The anger probably reached its loudest crescendo from priggishness with the feeling of unfair bashing on the style of play: “5/14. 17 rebounds. Yep, it makes sense. Caitlin’s just better. Cry about it,” said Connor Kane. That was a summary for the found voice of Clark supporters. The naysayers used Reese’s horrible shooting averages to claim inefficiency: “35% FG for a big is terrible,” said Billy while Terry sarcastically asked for statistics on “how many of Angel Reese’s rebounds are after her missed layups.”
Amongst that cacophony were attempts at balance. “Why did Clark need a dirty foul if her stats were that much better?” asked KateTF. That was an out of place reflection in an otherwise arguably extreme thread.
Clark and Reese talk much beyond the statistics- style, perception, and what fans value in a player. Clark’s finesse and scoring versus that bit of gritty work and rebounding of Reese’s offer a natural contrast that keeps up the scrutiny. And that will stay so long as the two keep playing at a high level.
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One thing’s for sure though: both have fans who are neither toned down nor neutral but only take sides; every new comparison thrust into this duo’s limelight only introduces the gore. Whichever side you stand on-Clark or Reese-is one thing certain: this discussion is not going anywhere anytime soon. And that’s exactly why it’s so exciting for women’s basketball right now.