Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, two rising stars in the WNBA, have captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. Their impact on the court draws comparisons to a legendary duo from the NBA’s golden era: Larry Bird and Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
And this time Magic himself has some praise for them. His latest X post talks about the pair of rivals. He said, “When I think about Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s impact on the game, they remind me a lot of Larry Bird and me. Our first meeting, Indiana State vs. Michigan State, in the NCAA Championship set the all-time viewership record for men’s basketball. Caitlin and Angel’s 2023 NCAA Championship matchup and their 2024 Elite Eight games were the highest viewership records at the time.”
When I think about Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s impact on the game, they remind me a lot of Larry Bird and me. Our first meeting, Indiana State vs. Michigan State, in the NCAA Championship set the all-time viewership record for men’s basketball. Caitlin and Angel’s 2023 NCAA…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 24, 2024
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese: The Parallel Journey
A Flashback to the ’80s
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, representing the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, respectively, ignited a fierce rivalry that defined an era. Their battles on the hardwood captivated audiences worldwide. Fast-forward to the present, and we witness a similar phenomenon with Clark and Reese.
The NCAA Championship Showdown
In 2023, Caitlin’s Iowa Hawkeyes clashed with Reese’s Maryland Terrapins in the NCAA Championship. The intensity of their matchup set an all-time viewership record for women’s college basketball. Fans tuned in, witnessing greatness unfold as these two phenoms showcased their skills.
Impact Beyond the Court
Just as Bird and Magic elevated the NBA’s overall popularity, Caitlin and Angel are doing the same for women’s basketball. Their performances sell out arenas and drive television viewership. As expiring TV deals loom, the WNBA can negotiate higher contracts and increase salaries for its talented players.
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