Following the United States’ victory over France to capture the 2026 FIBA World Cup gold medal, Caitlin Clark addressed questions regarding her relationship with teammate Angel Reese, firmly dismissing any notion of rivalry between them.
In the immediate aftermath of the final, a reporter posed a question implying tension or rivalry between Clark and Reese. Clark responded decisively, stating, “We’ve always been friends. Don’t try to do that. Don’t try to do that,” while shaking her finger. She even returned briefly after her media session to reiterate her warning to the media not to pursue that line of questioning.
USA Basketball Overcomes Early Deficit to Secure Gold
The championship game saw France take an early lead, holding a 20-17 advantage by the end of the first quarter. However, the U.S. team quickly shifted momentum, dominating the remainder of the contest with an 80-59 scoring run to seal their victory.
Both Clark and Reese played pivotal roles in the comeback. Notably, Reese forced a crucial turnover in the final moments of the first half, which Clark immediately capitalized on by sinking a three-pointer that trimmed France’s lead to just two points going into halftime.
Chemistry Between Clark and Reese Shines Through the Tournament
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Clark and Reese demonstrated strong on-court synergy, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Their collaborative efforts and mutual support have been evident, contrasting with narratives suggesting friction.