Angel Reese is facing intense backlash online following her reaction to Caitlin Clark being named the 2024 WNBA Kia Rookie of the Year. While the announcement didn’t come as a surprise—Clark had an outstanding season—fans quickly noticed that Reese, who was also a contender before her wrist injury, did not publicly congratulate Clark on her achievement.
Clark, the Indiana Fever guard, made waves in her rookie year, breaking multiple WNBA records. She averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, becoming the first rookie in league history to notch two triple-doubles. She also set records for the most points and assists by a rookie, solidifying her as the clear favorite for the award, especially after a strong finish to the season in August and September.
WHAT A YEAR FOR CAITLIN CLARK 👑
THE 2024 WNBA ROY 👏 pic.twitter.com/9pp0VJtm7j
— ESPN (@espn) October 3, 2024
Reese, on the other hand, saw her chances for the award diminish after her injury. Both players had repeatedly claimed that winning Rookie of the Year wasn’t a major focus for them. However, when the time came for Clark’s victory to be celebrated, Reese didn’t acknowledge it publicly. Instead, she took to social media to promote the latest episode of her podcast, tweeting, “NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!! WE DROPPED SOME GEMS,” highlighting her guest, NBA legend Dwyane Wade.
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!! WE DROPPED SOME GEMS!! 😇🤭https://t.co/BVkl4N079V
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) October 3, 2024
Fans were quick to criticize Reese in the comments, interpreting her silence as bitterness. Comments ranged from harsh insults to sarcastic jabs. One person wrote, “You are soooo jealous and ugly. Sad to be you.” Another mocked her, saying, “You lost rookie of the year but you’re tweeting this.” The flood of reactions showcased just how invested fans were in the supposed rivalry between the two basketball stars.
“Make sure you shout out the ROTY,” a user added.
Year one ✅ — thank you to the many people who have supported me as I’ve been able to live my childhood dream. I’m filled with gratitude as I reflect on this past year of my life.
See you all in year two 🖤💫 pic.twitter.com/SzdPuNVZNp— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) October 3, 2024
Did Angel Reese Privately Congratulate Caitlin Clark?
While Reese’s lack of a public congratulations raised eyebrows, it’s unclear whether she may have privately reached out to Clark. Given that Reese had previously downplayed any ongoing rivalry, it’s possible that she offered her well-wishes in a more personal manner.
Whether the new Rookie of the Year received a behind-the-scenes congratulations or was completely snubbed, fans will undoubtedly continue speculating about the relationship between these two rising WNBA stars.