Dave Portnoy Weighs in on Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark Debate, Praises Clark’s Dominance
Barstool Sports CEO Dave Portnoy has never been one to shy away from expressing his opinions, and the ongoing debate between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese for WNBA Rookie of the Year has provided ample fodder for his commentary. On Friday night, after Caitlin Clark led the Indiana Fever to a resounding 100-82 victory over the Chicago Sky, Portnoy took to Twitter to voice his support for Clark while simultaneously taking jabs at Reese’s performance.
Portnoy’s tweets during the game were a mix of admiration for Clark’s stellar play and criticism of Reese’s struggles. As the Fever pulled away to a decisive win, Portnoy couldn’t resist pointing out the disparity between the two rookies’ performances. “Kinda funny watching Angel chase her double-double record during the final 4 minutes of a 30 pt blowout while Caitlin checked out 2 hours ago to a standing O on the road. #FeverRising,” he tweeted, highlighting the stark contrast between Clark’s efficient, impactful play and Reese’s less impressive outing.
Kinda funny watching Angel chase her double double record during the final 4 minutes of a 30 pt blowout while Caitlin checked out 2 hours ago to a standing O on the road. #FeverRising
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) August 31, 2024
Clark’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. She poured in a career-high 31 points, shooting 8-of-14 from the field, while also dishing out 12 assists in just 32 minutes of action. Her presence on the court was a game-changer, as the Fever were a staggering +23 with her in the lineup. This dominant showing solidified her status as a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year and further fueled the growing debate between her and Reese.
On the other hand, Angel Reese, who has been touted as one of the top rookies this season, struggled to make a significant impact. While she did achieve a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, her five fouls and limited shooting opportunities made for a frustrating night. In a game where her team needed a spark, Reese’s performance fell short of expectations, giving Portnoy more ammunition to question her candidacy for the prestigious award.
Throughout the game, Portnoy didn’t hold back on his praise for Clark. His tweets ranged from “This pass is outrageous #caitlinclark #FeverRising” to “Step on their throats #FeverRising,” underscoring his belief that Clark’s dominance should be recognized and celebrated. For Portnoy, Clark’s ability to lead her team to victory, especially in such a commanding fashion, is what sets her apart from her peers, including Reese.
Portnoy’s comments, while provocative, echo a sentiment shared by many fans and analysts who have been captivated by Clark’s rise in the WNBA. Her ability to perform at a high level consistently, coupled with her leadership on the court, has made her a standout player in her rookie season. In contrast, Reese’s occasional struggles in key moments have raised questions about whether she can match Clark’s impact on the game.
As the Rookie of the Year race heats up, Portnoy’s tweets serve as a reminder of the passionate debates that sports can ignite. While opinions may vary on who deserves the title, there’s no denying that both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have brought excitement and talent to the WNBA. However, for Portnoy and many others, Friday night’s game was a clear indication that Clark is the one leading the charge.
In the end, the decision for Rookie of the Year will come down to more than just the games played these far, but if Caitlin Clark continues to perform at this level, it’s hard to argue against her deserving the honor. As for Angel Reese, there’s still time for her to make her case, but she’ll need to step up in the remaining games to prove she belongs in the same conversation as her rival.
