Calls for Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to make peace: They need each other

Jemele Hill has discussed the ongoing situation between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. She believes that, much like the iconic battles between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, the competitive dynamic between Clark and Reese will define their careers.

The rivalry intensified during the 2023 women's national championship game when Reese used John Cena's "You Can't See Me" gesture to taunt Clark, echoing a similar gesture Clark had used in earlier rounds of the tournament. This incident shifted the narrative around both players.

Hill suggested that Clark receives more attention partly due to her off-court persona. She also pointed out positional biases, comparing it to how Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is often excluded from "GOAT" discussions because of his position, suggesting Reese faces similar challenges.

Hill's take on the Clark-Reese feud

While some view Reese as the antagonist in Clark's story, Hill noted that Reese has accepted this role. However, Hill also recalled Reese's final college press conference, where she showed a more thoughtful side.

"Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had the most watched men's national championship game in history," Hill told TMZ Live.

"They had a rivalry from that game and they brought all that with them to the NBA.

"Caitlin Clark was certainly surging in popularity before her and Angel Reese crossed paths.

"But the moment Angel Reese did the [you can't see me gesture], this rivalry and the conversation around them both went to a completely different level.

"Not only is she good, not only is she a record breaker, not only does she have an electric style of play.

"But she's white, she's straight and she's from Iowa. So you have an underdog story that's in there. You have somebody [that's] white [and] that matters in this country.

"It mattered for Larry Bird, too! People who had not seen themselves dominate at a level from that particular place."