"You know how many people are happy right now?" - Angel Reese on what she told Caitlin Clark after their viral All-Star Game bucket

Throughout this WNBA season, the spotlight has been on two rookies: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky. Caitlin's remarkable shooting and playmaking, coupled with Angel's relentless work on the glass, have not only elevated their own performances but also given the WNBA a significant boost in popularity.

On Saturday, the two longtime rivals shared the same side of the floor for the first time in their careers in the WNBA All-Star Game, which had the sports world buzzing. And though the two connected on only one bucket the entire game, it was enough to send fans into a frenzy.

A viral bucket

These days, conversations about women’s basketball invariably circle back to Caitlin and Angel. These two exceptional young women share a unique bond, having crossed paths numerous times in the NCAA, most notably in the NCAA women’s basketball finals, where Reese’s South Carolina team emerged victorious over Clark’s Iowa squad.

The momentum and the rivalry they’ve built in college have carried over to the pros, as Indiana-Chicago matchups have been must-see affairs. That said, it was refreshing to see Caitlin and Angel play with one another for the WNBA All-Star team and help their team pick up a thrilling 117-109 win over Team USA.

While the Dallas Sky’s Arike Ogunbowale took home All-Star Game MVP honors with her spectacular 34-point explosion, the talk still centered on the dime Caitlin dropped for Angel with 6:36 left in the game.

“I know that bucket went viral. I haven't checked my phone yet, but my phone’s blowing up,” Reese said. “Clark even said on the bench, ‘You know how many people are happy right now?’ I was like, ‘Man, I already know. I’m already knowing, so I’m gonna go see that video everywhere.”

Playing together on Team USA

Meanwhile, Angel declared that she hopes to be on the Team USA team representing the country in the 2028 Olympics. She added that it has been her goal for a very long time to represent the stars and stripes on the sporting world’s grandest stage.

“We were just talking about, hopefully, in four years, we’re on the other side being able to play with USA,” Reese continued. “I want to be going to the Olympics one day. That’s my goal. To be an All-Star every year is the goal. To win championships is the goal. So I’m just excited; I’m just really blessed to just be here. I’m trying to embrace this moment right now and not think too far ahead, but I’m really proud of myself for where I am right now.”

Barring any injuries, it’s almost certain that the Team USA women’s basketball squad would have Caitlin and Angel on it. If you thought their team-up in the All-Star Game drew applause, wait until they’re on the same side during the Olympics.

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