The WNBA preseason hasn’t even officially begun, and already Angel Reese is catching strays from every direction — including some subtle but spicy shade from Indiana Fever rookies.

After a viral video surfaced of Reese struggling through a workout drill, fans — and even fellow rookies — wasted no time drawing comparisons to the league’s most-hyped newcomer: Caitlin Clark.
And let’s just say… it wasn’t pretty.

 The Viral “Fail” That Started It All

Earlier this week, a clip from Chicago Sky training camp made the rounds on Twitter and TikTok, showing Angel Reese visibly gassed during a full-court conditioning drill. The clip, which only lasted 14 seconds, sparked millions of views and thousands of comments.

Some defended Reese, noting the intensity of WNBA training camp. Others? Not so kind.

“She’s not ready for this level,” one comment read.
“Clark is running circles around her,” said another.

 Fever Rookies React – Subtle Shade or Savage Intent?

What turned heads even more were a few cryptic posts from Indiana Fever rookies — notably from rookies Lexie Hull and Celeste Taylor, who reposted training camp photos with captions like:

“Conditioning? Light work.”

“Built different  #NoExcuses”

No names were mentioned, but fans quickly put two and two together — especially after Caitlin Clark liked one of the posts.

Was it direct shade at Reese? Maybe not intentionally. But in the eyes of fans, the message was loud and clear:
“We’re working. Others are whining.”

 Social Media Goes OFF: “She’s No Caitlin!”

It didn’t take long for hashtags like #SheAintClark and #WNBAReady to trend on X (formerly Twitter).
Memes flew. Comparisons raged.

While Reese’s college brand as the “Bayou Barbie” made her a social media icon, fans now wonder whether she can back up the hype in a league where effort, discipline, and conditioning are non-negotiable.

Caitlin Clark, meanwhile, has already been seen staying after practice, running extra drills, and engaging with Fever fans in Iowa like a seasoned pro.

 Real Talk: Is It Too Early To Judge?

Let’s be fair — this is still training camp. One viral clip doesn’t define a career, and Reese is known for rising under pressure. She’s a fierce competitor who thrives when doubted.

But there’s no denying the difference in perception right now:

Clark is viewed as the WNBA’s next franchise leader.

Reese? Struggling to prove she’s ready — and now fighting a public narrative she might not deserve.

 Final Word

The Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese rivalry was already intense in college. But now?
It’s escalating fast in the pros — and they haven’t even faced each other yet.

One thing’s clear:
The Fever rookies are locked in. The league is watching. And Angel Reese better be ready — because the WNBA moves fast, and the spotlight doesn’t wait.