Caitlin Clark shared a clear message after the US won gold at the 2026 FIBA World Cup: She won't entertain derisive comments about her friendship with USA Basketball teammate Angel Reese.
The response came moments after the United States beat France in Sunday's final, as a reporter asked Clark if she and Reese were friends now — insinuating a past rivalry.
"We've always been friends. Don't try to do that. Don't try to do that," Clark said, shaking her finger. She subsequently returned after her media session, and again warned the reporter not to "do that" on her way out.
USA Basketball Rallies Past France to Win FIBA Gold
France jumped ahead early and led 20-17 in the first quarter. From there, USA Basketball took over, outscoring France 80-59 the rest of the way.
Clark and Reese both fueled the comeback. In the closing seconds of the first half, Reese forced a key turnover. Clark answered on the next possession with a 3-pointer that cut France's lead to two.
Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Build Chemistry at 2026 World Cup
Angel Reese cheered Caitlin Clark all tournament, while the two flashed a growing connection in Berlin. And that chemistry might have prompted the reporter's postgame comments — even if Clark waved it off.
Picking up a fifth consecutive FIBA gold medal caps a strong run for the United States, delivered by two players often framed as rivals since their college days.
