Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese entered the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 as two of the biggest names on Team USA, but their roles were different as the Americans went on to win a fifth consecutive World Cup title.
Clark finished the tournament with 47 points, 14 rebounds, and 32 assists across six games, while Reese recorded 43 points, 30 rebounds, and four assists in six appearances. Clark averaged 7.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, while Reese averaged 7.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 0.7 assists.
Clark’s biggest contribution came as a playmaker. Her 5.3 assists per game ranked among Team USA’s best, while Reese provided more of an inside presence with her rebounding and defensive work.
The two also produced one of the tournament’s most talked-about partnerships during Team USA’s run. In the quarterfinal win over Hungary, Clark had 10 points and nine assists, while Reese finished with nine points and six rebounds as the pair showed growing chemistry.
First of many! 🥇🙏🏽 @usabasketball pic.twitter.com/E1l164lo2n
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) September 14, 2026
What Did Caitlin Clark Say About Her Friendship With Angel Reese?
After Team USA defeated France 97-79 in the final, Clark was asked about her relationship with Reese and whether the two were now friends.
Clark immediately pushed back on the premise of the question.
“We’ve always been friends. Don’t try to do that. Don’t try to do that,” Clark said.
“Are you and (Angel Reese) friends now?”
Caitlin Clark: “We’ve always been friends. Don’t try to do that.”
(h/t @tntbeIIever)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) September 13, 2026
The comment came after a tournament in which Clark and Reese were repeatedly seen supporting each other on and off the court.
Clark had previously dismissed suggestions that there was bad blood between them, describing many of the stories surrounding their relationship as “false takes.” She also praised Reese’s competitiveness and work ethic.
Reese, meanwhile, spoke positively about playing alongside Clark during the tournament. After the Hungary game, she said the pair know each other’s games extremely well because they have played against each other so often.
Are Caitlin Clark And Angel Reese Friends?
Based on what both players have said publicly, yes, they consider themselves friends.
Their relationship has often been framed around rivalry because of their college careers, particularly LSU’s victory over Iowa in the 2023 NCAA championship game. That rivalry followed them into the WNBA, where Clark plays for the Indiana Fever and Reese represents the Atlanta Dream.
Angel Reese on her chemistry with Caitlin Clark:
“I’m sure we know each other’s game like the back of each other’s hand … So it’s fun. We just continue to build chemistry because we know we’re going to be USA teammates for a while.”pic.twitter.com/r5Go2pQWew
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) September 10, 2026
Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Stats:
| Stat | Caitlin Clark | Angel Reese |
|---|---|---|
| Games | 6 | 6 |
| Total Points | 47 | 43 |
| Points Per Game | 7.8 | 7.2 |
| Total Rebounds | 13 | 30 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 2.2 | 5.0 |
| Total Assists | 32 | 4 |
| Assists Per Game | 5.3 | 0.7 |
