June 5th 2024.
The WNBA has been buzzing with excitement as two promising rookies, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, have ignited a fierce rivalry that began back in their college days. The intensity of their competition has drawn comparisons to the legendary rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, who faced off against each other during their time at Michigan State University and Indiana State University.
Sports journalist Jemele Hill recently pointed out the similarities between these two rivalries, noting how the energy and passion between Reese and Clark mirrors that of Magic and Bird. Hill even appeared on TMZ to discuss the impact of this rivalry, highlighting how it has elevated interest in the WNBA to new heights.
It's no surprise that the WNBA has seen a surge in popularity since the league's inception in 1997, but the arrival of Clark, who was selected as the number one draft pick, has undoubtedly added to the excitement. Just like the NBA in the 1980s, the league is experiencing a resurgence thanks to the emergence of two talented and competitive players.
Hill went on to explain how this rivalry has spilled over from the college ranks into the WNBA, much like how Magic and Bird's interactions laid the groundwork for their intense rivalry in the NBA. She described the moment when Reese made her now-famous "you can't see me" gesture towards Clark, as a turning point that took their competition to a whole new level.
These two women have faced off in the NCAA playoffs two years in a row, with Reese and her team, LSU, emerging victorious in 2023 and taking home the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship. However, Clark and her team, Indiana, got their revenge earlier this year when they defeated LSU in the semifinals. Indiana may have ultimately lost to the undefeated champions, the University of South Carolina, but their journey was not without its share of thrilling moments.
Hill concluded her comparison by mentioning how Magic and Bird's rivalry in the 1980s resulted in the most-watched men's national championship game in history. She believes that their intense competition and rivalry followed them into the NBA, and it's safe to say that Reese and Clark's rivalry is doing the same for the WNBA. The fire and passion between these two women have undoubtedly brought a new level of excitement to the league, and fans are eagerly anticipating their next matchup.
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