Caitlin Clark doesn’t wish to steal the highlight on the 2024 WNBA All-Star sport, which can happen in Phoenix on July 20.
Clark, who was the No. 1 general choose by the Fever on this yr’s WNBA draft, and Angel Reese, the No. 7 choose by the Sky, headline Staff WNBA that may face Staff USA — made up of the WNBA gamers chosen to compete on the 2024 Paris Olympics — within the league’s twentieth version of the All-Star sport.
Nevertheless, Clark defined that she doesn’t need the thrill in regards to the former school rivals changing into first-time teammates to overshadow the massive weekend.
“I don’t suppose I’ve ever been her teammate earlier than, even with USA Basketball or something like that,” Clark stated in a postgame press convention after Tuesday’s 88-69 loss to the Aces. “I do know persons are going to be actually enthusiastic about it, however I hope it doesn’t take away from everyone else. It is a big accomplishment for everyone on Staff USA and everyone on Staff WNBA. All of them deserve the identical reward.
“I don’t need it to remove from any of that and simply be the focus of All-Star weekend as a result of that’s not honest to them. And clearly that is one thing that’s actually onerous to perform. The most effective we will rejoice all of them might be nice and I’m simply clearly going to soak within the expertise since you by no means know in the event you’re ever going to have the ability to get again there. It’ll be enjoyable for all of us, for positive.”
Followers are extremely anticipating Clark and Reese taking part in on the identical crew after their on-court rivalry in school transitioned to the WNBA.
Reese led the LSU Tigers to their first championship in program historical past in a win over Clark and Iowa in 2023.
Reese famously waved her hand in entrance of Clark’s face — the “you may’t see me” gesture — on the finish of the sport, which helped gasoline the rivalry.
Iowa defeated LSU within the Elite Eight of this yr’s girls’s NCAA Event.
Clark and Reese have maintained their relationship is a aggressive one on the court docket and that nothing is private.
Each stars helped break attendance information, viewership and ticket gross sales on the school degree, in addition to within the WNBA.
The 22-year-old Reese shed tears whereas reacting to her first All-Star nod as a rookie.
“I’m simply so completely satisfied. I do know the work I’ve put in,” Reese stated after he recorded her eleventh straight double-double — with 12 factors and 19 rebounds — in an 85-77 win in opposition to the Dream on Tuesday. “Coming into this league so many individuals doubted me and didn’t suppose my sport would translate — and I wouldn’t be the participant I used to be in school, or higher, or can be worse, or wouldn’t be the place I’m proper now.
“However I trusted the method and I believed. I’m grateful that I dropped to seven and was in a position to come to Chicago and it’s only a blessing. I can’t thank my teammates and my coaches sufficient for simply believing in me and trusting me. I do know all of them are going to return to Phoenix and help me.”
Clark and Reese have been dominating on and off the court docket.
The Fever guard’s first Wilson signature basketballs have been unveiled. All three basketballs within the Limitless Collection are available in numerous sizes and might be accessible for buy Tuesday, July 9 completely at Wilson.com and at choose Wilson retail places.
The WNBA All-Star sport will tip off July 20 at 8:30 p.m. in Phoenix and air on ABC.
ESPN will air a expertise problem and a 3-point contest on July 19 at 6 p.m.
This yr’s festivities will even characteristic the third annual WNBA Reside — the league’s two-day fan competition, which can rejoice the intersection of the WNBA, trend, music and tradition — that may happen on the Phoenix Conference Heart July 19-20.