Stephen A. Smith Says Caitlin Clark’s Brilliance Makes the “Rivalry” With Angel Reese One-Sided

In the age of viral rivalries and highlight-driven sports coverage, few narratives have captured attention like the ongoing saga between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Yet for commentator Stephen A. Smith, this supposed rivalry may be more theater than true competition. His recent remarks sparked debate across sports media, claiming that while Angel Reese may bring flair and headlines, it’s Caitlin Clark’s generational talent that’s carrying the sport forward—and leaving any talk of rivalry without real substance.

“Caitlin Clark is just on another level,” Smith asserted during a recent segment, dismissing the notion of parity between the two athletes.

He pointed to Clark’s record-breaking college performances, her poise under pressure, and her seamless transition into professional play as evidence that this isn’t a battle between equals. While Reese has certainly impacted the culture of women’s basketball, Smith argued that Clark’s consistency, work ethic, and sheer scoring ability place her in a category of her own.

It’s a sentiment that has resonated with many fans—and stoked controversy with others.

Clark’s rise has undeniably redefined expectations for women entering the WNBA. Her court vision, deep shooting range, and calm leadership have made her not only a highlight machine but a catalyst for renewed attention to the league. Games featuring Clark routinely sell out, and viewership spikes wherever she plays.

Analysts like Dan Patrick have even drawn comparisons to transformative figures like Tiger Woods, not simply because of her talent, but because of the gravitational pull she has on audiences and sponsors alike.

But with that rise comes scrutiny—and a fair amount of tension.

Angel Reese, known for her outspoken personality and unapologetic confidence, has leaned into a role that many now call the “villain” of women’s basketball. She’s acknowledged the attention, even welcomed it, noting that rivalries—real or manufactured—bring viewers and keep the spotlight burning on the sport. And in many ways, she’s right.

The championship clash between LSU and Iowa last year, fueled by on-court gestures and post-game chatter, exploded across social media and helped spark a national conversation around women’s hoops.

Still, Smith and others argue that Reese’s notoriety is often amplified by viral moments rather than sustained dominance. While her talent is not in question, critics say the imbalance between performance and publicity reveals a modern problem in sports: attention can be driven more by drama than by gameplay.

That dynamic has only deepened as the online conversation around Clark and Reese grows more heated. ESPN, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube feeds are filled not with breakdowns of shot mechanics or defensive schemes, but with side-by-side comparisons, personality clashes, and fan wars. What could have been a compelling sports narrative has often become an echo chamber of memes and moral arguments.

Beneath it all lies a more complex discussion about race, perception, and media bias.

Commentators like Bomani Jones have highlighted how public reaction to Clark and Reese often follows different standards. Clark’s intensity is praised as leadership; Reese’s as arrogance. When Clark talks trash, it’s “competitive fire.” When Reese does it, it’s “unsportsmanlike.”

These contrasts aren’t accidental—they reflect long-standing disparities in how Black and white athletes are treated in the spotlight. And the fallout of those disparities plays out in real time, on screens and timelines everywhere.

Reese has spoken candidly about this double standard, refusing to soften her personality to conform to others’ expectations. She’s turned critique into brand value, strategically building a persona that keeps her relevant, even as her on-court performance faces increasing scrutiny.

But while the attention helps the league, some worry that the constant focus on personality over play is starting to erode the sport itself.

That concern echoes across the community. Many fans—especially longtime followers of women’s basketball—fear the noise is drowning out the game.

They want the conversation to return to pick-and-rolls, zone defenses, and the brilliance of post play. Instead, they’re often caught in digital crossfire between Clark fans and Reese loyalists, where every game is a referendum and every play a political statement.

Still, there’s no denying that both players have elevated the league’s visibility in ways few could have predicted just two years ago.

Together, they’ve captured the imagination of new fans, driven record engagement, and sparked discussions about everything from sponsorship equity to social media behavior. Clark is reshaping expectations of what rookies can achieve. Reese is reframing the boundaries of personality in professional sports.

Stephen A. Smith may be right that the rivalry, in terms of sheer basketball output, is lopsided for now. But in the broader arena of culture, marketing, and identity, both athletes are deeply embedded in the story of where women’s basketball is heading.

Whether through dominance or defiance, they’ve both ensured that the sport is no longer waiting in the wings. It’s here, in the spotlight—and everyone is watching.