Latest news with #Spolitics
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Candace Parker Dismisses Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese Rivalry: "It's Like Comparing Apples And Oranges"
Candace Parker Dismisses Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese Rivalry: "It's Like Comparing Apples And Oranges" originally appeared on Fadeaway World. WNBA icon Candace Parker appeared on the latest episode of the Spolitics podcast, where she shared her thoughts about the Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry. Parker made it clear she isn't a fan of Clark and Reese being compared to each other. Advertisement "I just think that it's like comparing apples and oranges," Parker said. "Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, it's like, what are we doing? They like doing the Magic [Johnson] and [Larry] Bird comparison. Well, they played similar positions. Bird wasn't a point guard, but he played the guard position. They at least kind of matched up. This? What are we doing? I'm not falling into that. I'm not into the comparison. "I think there are a number of things that Angel can improve on, will improve on in the situation she's in," Parker continued. "And I think Caitlin Clark has done that, even in her first year, in terms of being able to be that floor general... I think the thing about Caitlin, yes, she can shoot from the logo, but she makes her team better." Parker makes some good points here. A guard like Clark and a forward like Reese aren't really matching up against each other, but the main focus from the outside when it came to this rivalry wasn't about the play on the court. Race was a big part of it, and things kicked off towards the end of the 2023 national title game, when Reese taunted Clark as LSU beat Iowa. The teams would meet again in the Elite Eight the following year, but the tables had turned by then. Clark and Iowa beat LSU, only to lose in the national title game again, this time to South Carolina. Advertisement Failing to win the national title certainly didn't lead to Clark's stock falling. The Indiana Fever would select her with the first pick of the 2024 WNBA, while Reese went seventh to the Chicago Sky. The rivalry would be a big talking point throughout their rookie season. In their first-ever meeting in the WNBA, Reese came under fire for clapping after her teammate cheap-shotted Clark. That ensured that the media and fans would keep talking about these two. They were the leading candidates for the Rookie of the Year award as well, which only brought more attention to the rivalry. Clark would end up winning ROY, and she has had a much better sophomore season than Reese, too. Clark averaged 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game for the Fever before going down with a quad strain. Reese, meanwhile, has put up 9.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game for the Sky. Candace Parker On Caitlin Clark Being "Targeted" During Her Rookie Season Clark being targeted by her opponents was another big storyline during her rookie season. The notion was that they were jealous of her, but Parker stated that's always been the case in the WNBA when the next big thing comes in. Advertisement 'When you are a generational talent, and I say that in Diana [Taurasi], Maya [Moore], myself, Breanna Stewart, Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson, you're gonna experience the physicality," Parker stated. "The scouting report is to stop you, and a lot of it is to be physical. Do you take a couple extra licks from people? Yeah. Was I the rookie coming in and got different shots taken at me or hard fouls? Oh yeah.' To Clark's credit, she never made a big deal of the increased physicality. She played it down every single time it was brought up, and you really admire how this 23-year-old has carried herself during her time in the WNBA. Related: Aries Spears Weighs In On Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese Rivalry: "One Is Good And The Other One Is Hot Garbage" This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Candace Parker Dismisses Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese Rivalry: "It's Like Comparing Apples And Oranges"
Candace Parker Dismisses Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese Rivalry: "It's Like Comparing Apples And Oranges" originally appeared on Fadeaway World. WNBA icon Candace Parker appeared on the latest episode of the Spolitics podcast, where she shared her thoughts about the Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry. Parker made it clear she isn't a fan of Clark and Reese being compared to each other. Advertisement "I just think that it's like comparing apples and oranges," Parker said. "Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, it's like, what are we doing? They like doing the Magic [Johnson] and [Larry] Bird comparison. Well, they played similar positions. Bird wasn't a point guard, but he played the guard position. They at least kind of matched up. This? What are we doing? I'm not falling into that. I'm not into the comparison. "I think there are a number of things that Angel can improve on, will improve on in the situation she's in," Parker continued. "And I think Caitlin Clark has done that, even in her first year, in terms of being able to be that floor general... I think the thing about Caitlin, yes, she can shoot from the logo, but she makes her team better." Parker makes some good points here. A guard like Clark and a forward like Reese aren't really matching up against each other, but the main focus from the outside when it came to this rivalry wasn't about the play on the court. Race was a big part of it, and things kicked off towards the end of the 2023 national title game, when Reese taunted Clark as LSU beat Iowa. The teams would meet again in the Elite Eight the following year, but the tables had turned by then. Clark and Iowa beat LSU, only to lose in the national title game again, this time to South Carolina. Advertisement Failing to win the national title certainly didn't lead to Clark's stock falling. The Indiana Fever would select her with the first pick of the 2024 WNBA, while Reese went seventh to the Chicago Sky. The rivalry would be a big talking point throughout their rookie season. In their first-ever meeting in the WNBA, Reese came under fire for clapping after her teammate cheap-shotted Clark. That ensured that the media and fans would keep talking about these two. They were the leading candidates for the Rookie of the Year award as well, which only brought more attention to the rivalry. Clark would end up winning ROY, and she has had a much better sophomore season than Reese, too. Clark averaged 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game for the Fever before going down with a quad strain. Reese, meanwhile, has put up 9.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game for the Sky. Candace Parker On Caitlin Clark Being "Targeted" During Her Rookie Season Clark being targeted by her opponents was another big storyline during her rookie season. The notion was that they were jealous of her, but Parker stated that's always been the case in the WNBA when the next big thing comes in. Advertisement 'When you are a generational talent, and I say that in Diana [Taurasi], Maya [Moore], myself, Breanna Stewart, Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson, you're gonna experience the physicality," Parker stated. "The scouting report is to stop you, and a lot of it is to be physical. Do you take a couple extra licks from people? Yeah. Was I the rookie coming in and got different shots taken at me or hard fouls? Oh yeah.' To Clark's credit, she never made a big deal of the increased physicality. She played it down every single time it was brought up, and you really admire how this 23-year-old has carried herself during her time in the WNBA. Related: Aries Spears Weighs In On Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese Rivalry: "One Is Good And The Other One Is Hot Garbage" This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Sparks Star: Clark and Reese both bring unique strengths to WNBA
The heated media narrative around Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese is drawing strong reactions from WNBA veterans and fans alike. Sparks legend Candace Parker recently called out the 'nasty work' by the media, criticizing how the two rookies are constantly compared rather than celebrated individually. Former WNBA star Swin Cash echoed this sentiment, urging people to avoid reducing Reese to a single foul or moment, saying, 'It's deeper than that.' Meanwhile, a Rice University study found stark racial bias in online discourse, showing that Clark's gestures were praised while Reese faced disproportionate criticism. As the spotlight intensifies, the Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese debate reveals deeper issues like media bias, race and how young athletes are represented in sports media representation. Rising stars: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese shine in 2025 WNBA season The 2025 WNBA season is underway, and two of its brightest young stars—Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese—are continuing to make headlines. Both in their sophomore year, the duo is proving their value on the court, even as media comparisons and polarizing debates swirl around them. Caitlin Clark's dominance cut short by injury Following a stellar 2024 campaign where she was named WNBA Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark opened the 2025 season with strong momentum. Through the Indiana Fever's first four games, Clark averaged an impressive 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game, solidifying her reputation as one of the league's top playmakers. However, Clark's progress hit a temporary pause when she suffered a left quadriceps strain, as reported by the team on May 27. Despite the setback, her early-season performance affirmed her role as a transformative player for the Fever. Angel Reese making noise in chicago Meanwhile, Angel Reese, who entered the WNBA alongside Clark in 2024, is carving out her own powerful narrative. The Chicago Sky forward is averaging 9.1 points and 12.3 rebounds per game through her first seven appearances this season—an effort that includes four double-doubles. Her consistent rebounding and physical presence have made her a cornerstone of the Sky's frontcourt. While both Clark and Reese are contributing significantly to their teams, the conversation around them remains dominated by comparisons—something many former WNBA greats are now openly challenging. Candace Parker: 'What are we doing?' As the media continues to draw parallels between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, Candace Parker, former Los Angeles Sparks star and future Hall of Famer, weighed in with a strong rebuke of the ongoing narrative. Speaking on a recent episode of Jemele Hill's "Spolitics", Parker called out the flawed logic behind the comparisons. 'It's like comparing apples and oranges… What are we doing? They like doing the Magic and Bird comparisons… I'm not falling into that,' Parker said. She emphasized that both players bring unique strengths to the game. 'I think there are a number of things that Angel Reese can improve on. The thing about Caitlin, yes, she can shoot from the logo, but she makes her team better,' she added. A study in media bias and public perception A recent Rice University and University of Illinois Chicago study sheds light on the deeper implications of the Clark-Reese discourse. By analyzing more than 700,000 tweets, researchers found that Clark's confident behavior was largely praised, while Reese faced criticism—often laced with racial undertones—for similar actions on the court. This disparity has fueled ongoing discussions about race, gender, and bias in sports media. It also reinforces the call from Parker and others for a more balanced and respectful treatment of young athletes, especially women of color. Swin Cash defends Reese, rejects oversimplification Joining the chorus of WNBA legends challenging the media narrative, Swin Cash, another former WNBA star, came to Angel Reese's defense. She criticized those reducing Reese to a single technical foul or one emotional moment. 'It's deeper than that,' Cash said. 'We cannot oversimplify a player's development or contribution based on one play.' Her remarks echoed Parker's: both legends are urging the public and media to stop pitting Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese against each other, and instead recognize the different paths and skill sets each athlete brings. The bigger picture: Celebrating individuality in women's sports As the WNBA grows in popularity and visibility, the scrutiny on players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese will only intensify. However, their journeys should be seen as complementary—not competitive. Clark's court vision and perimeter shooting, paired with Reese's dominance on the boards and hustle on defense, offer diverse examples of what excellence looks like in today's women's game. Both athletes are helping push the WNBA forward, and as Candace Parker made clear, it's time the conversation around them evolved too.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Candace Parker Sends Clear Message About Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese
Candace Parker Sends Clear Message About Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese originally appeared on Athlon Sports. There's no question that since Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese were drafted into the WNBA in 2024, they have made a tremendous impact both in terms of talent and viewership, playing a key role in the growth of women's basketball. Advertisement However, the two have been consistently compared since their college days. The rivalry narrative escalated after the first game of this season when Clark received a technical foul for a hard foul on Reese, which led to Reese charging at Clark, visibly upset. This tension has fueled that rivalry storyline—something WNBA legend Candace Parker chose not to engage with. Appearing recently on "Spolitics with Jemele Hill," Parker sent a clear message about both players: 'So I just think it's like comparing apples and oranges. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, it's like, what are we doing? I'm not falling into that, I'm not into the comparison. I think there are a number of things Angel can improve on—and will improve on—given her situation. And I think Caitlin Clark has already done that, even in her first year.' Parker emphasized that comparing Clark and Reese doesn't make sense because they play different positions and have distinct roles on the court. Clark is a point guard, known for her elite shooting and passing, often commanding the offense. Oct 25, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; TNT broadcaster Candace Parker during the Golden State Warriors game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images Reese, on the other hand, is a forward who thrives inside the paint and quickly established herself as one of the best rebounders in the league after just one season. Advertisement During their rookie years, Reese led the WNBA in rebounds, while Clark led the league in assists—successes they've both continued into the 2025 season. Currently, Reese is averaging 9.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, while Clark is putting up 19.3 points, 9.3 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. Related: Chicago Sky Makes Big Candace Parker Announcement on Wednesday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mirror
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Caitlin Clark told two things she needs to work on as WNBA legend weighs in
Caitlin Clark has been told how to improve by WNBA icon Candace Parker, who has explained the changes that the Indiana Fever guard can make to her game WNBA icon Candace Parker has offered Caitlin Clark advice on how to take her game to the next level. Indiana Fever star Clark is undeniably one of the league's standout players, but Parker believes she can still improve. The 23-year-old was named Rookie of the Year after being drafted as the first overall pick by the Fever last year. She is judged to have played a large part in the rising popularity of women's basketball, with the boom often described as the 'Caitlin Clark effect'. Clark has emerged as one of the WNBA's top stars, setting the single-season assist record during her first season as a professional. Despite the Fever guard making waves in the WNBA, Parker believes Clark can still improve two key areas of her game. "I think Caitlin Clark has [improved], even in her first year in terms of being that floor general," Parker said on the Spolitics podcast. "Her and Aliyah Boston's connection has really improved." "The thing about Caitlin, yeah, she can shoot from the logo, but she makes her team better. I think just in terms for her, it's going to be what are you doing without the ball in your hands, and I think it's going to be taking care of the ball." With Clark currently sidelined with a quad strain, she'll have plenty of time to reflect on Parker's words of wisdom and work on fine-tuning her skills. Parker's comments are intriguing, as Clark is often spoken about like an experienced star, overshadowing how she can sharpen her skills. The discussion comes after Clark racked up 10 turnovers in the Fever's narrow 90-88 defeat to the New York Liberty just before her injury. As someone who clinched the 2008 Rookie of the Year award, Parker knows all too well about the steep learning curve younger players face. "I think, all of us, when you're young, turn the ball over, especially when you're the focal point of the entire defence," Parker. said "You're going to have more turnovers. You're going to have more live-ball situations and the competitive element of you means you do tend to take chances early on. "And you learn. Sometimes it might be a highlight, but seven out of 10 times, it's probably going to be a turnover, because I had to learn that." Clark is no stranger to dedication. During the WNBA off-season, the 23-year-old decided against playing in the new Unrivaled league. Instead, she continued training relentlessly, aiming to keep sharp ahead of the new season. During Clark's time off the court, the Fever have experienced varied success. They stumbled in the next couple of matches without her but have recently hit their stride again with a two-match win streak that included a resounding 79-52 triumph over the Chicago Sky. Clark has averaged 19 points per game this term, and she's also averaging better rebound and assist numbers than last year. After sustaining her quad injury late last month, Clark was initially expected to be missing for two weeks. However, the Fever guard was optimistic as she discussed her rehabilitation last week. "I'll miss this weekend's game [the win over the Chicago Sky], but after that, it's day by day and see how I feel, and just turn to the medical staff and what they think," Clark said. "I feel like I've made a lot of progress and I feel good, and I'm not going to rush coming back. It's just not worth it. But after this weekend, I'll be reevaluated and we'll have a better idea of when I'll return."
