Caitlin Clark fans aren't happy with Angel Reese: 'They are freezing Caitlin out'
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Caitlin Clark fans aren't happy with Angel Reese: 'They are freezing Caitlin out' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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USA Basketball is dominating to begin FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying in Puerto Rico.
But even after winning their first two group games by a combined 107 points, discontent is simmering beneath the surface for expectant Caitlin Clark fans.
After Clark marked her national team debut with a 17-point, 12-assist double-double against Senegal on Wednesday, the Indiana Fever superstar comparatively struggled in the 91-48 win over Puerto Rico on Thursday, scoring eight points on 2-of-6 shooting.
And fans on social media believe they have pinpointed the reason for Clark's "awkward" sophomore outing: Angel Reese and US teammates are "freezing out" the All-Star guard.
"Angel fights CC for the rebound, refuses to pass her the ball on the break, then immediately turns the ball over," wrote @CCMVPLoading on X. "Yikes."
do you see what i see... pic.twitter.com/dlnJh4gf0Q
— E.A.🤴🏾 (@crashoutking1) March 13, 2026
A selection of four plays from the win over Puerto Rico -- in which Reese logged 10 points, 13 rebounds and two assists -- show Reese handling the ball in transition and appearing to "look off" Clark.
"It feels like the ball movement hasn’t been equal. Caitlin Clark is constantly looking to create for her teammates and keep the offense flowing, but she doesn’t always seem to get that same trust or opportunity in return," wrote @22CCNews. "At times, Angel Reese and others appear focused on handling the ball or initiating the offense themselves, which has even led to stretches where Reese is essentially bringing the ball up like a point guard."
Fans who didn't watch Reese in Chicago last season will not have noted that the two-time All-Star was tasked with "point forward" duties amid an injury crisis that ravaged the Sky's backcourt.
It stands to reason that the USA Basketball coaching staff -- which includes Fever head coach Stephanie White as an assistant -- want to see Reese handle the ball a bit more and run more sets off the ball for Clark, where she can weaponize her one-of-a-kind shooting range.
There's no controversy here. Team USA is the most talented side in their group. Experimentation is going to happen.