FIBA endorses Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese friendship as USA advances to semifinals

Rivalries have been put aside by Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark as the USA advanced to the semifinals in dominant fashion. The growing chemistry has been the highlight of the 2026 FIBA World Cup.

On Thursday, Hungary was supposed to be a difficult test for the USA. However, Clark and Reese together made it look like a walk in the park, leading their team to a 108-56 victory.

“She’s got it for me a lot of times so it’s probably finally due for me to get one to her and she easily finished it,” Reese said after the match.

The mutual trust on the court has become the foundation of USA’s offensive rhythm.

The two traded easy layups, a moment that delighted fans watching on FIBA’s social channels, as shown on the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup’s X post. That came in stark contrast to the rivalry narratives that once divided them.

Making their World Cup debuts in Berlin, the two WNBA stalwarts have been up to the test.

Clark orchestrated the offense with nine assists and 10 points; Reese cleaned the glass with six rebounds and nine points, as USA cruised to a 52-point victory.

Their synergy on the court will be the defining factor if USA go all the way to their fifth consecutive World Cup title.

For now, things look good as Clark dismissed the popular narratives of edgy rivalry.

“No matter what, there’s always going to be people that create those narratives and say whatever they want to say,” Clark said.

On Saturday, the USA will face the winner of Spain versus Australia in the semi-finals.

Former college basketball player Rachel A. DeMita has also been astonished by the immense chemistry between the two.

Former college basketball player Rachel A. DeMita was speaking on behalf of the basketball community while talking about Reese, Clark, and Paige Bueckers.

I hope that all of the fandoms can put whatever differences they have to the side and just appreciate how fun it has been to watch Paige, Angel, and Caitlin play together,” DeMita said in an Instagram post.

Clark has been the team’s primary playmaker with 6.3 assists per game. On the other hand, Reese and Bueckers are finishing off chances created by the Indiana Fever guard.

Napheesa Collier also joined the party against Hungary, scoring the most points with 19. Clark, Reese and Bueckers only have eyes for the World Cup title at the moment.