Portnoy revealed his thoughts on a podcast episode with Patrick Beverley.

“Angel Reese is a very good player… she’s great on the offensive glass, rebounding. The reason people are captivated by Clark is because of the way she plays, like Steph Curry. The one thing I don’t like is people making [the rivalry racially charged],” Portnoy said via Pat Bev Pod.

“I would like Angel more if she just ate it. If she was just like, ‘I f*****g hate [Caitlin Clark], and I’m going to go at her and make her life miserable. But she doesn’t do that. She acts that way, and then she acts like people are making it up,” Portnoy added.

Dave Portnoy highlighted Reese’s championship ring gesture to Clark after LSU won the 2023 NCAA Tournament against Iowa. He also noted when Reese stood up and clapped after Chennedy Carter knocked Clark to the floor during June 1st’s Sky-Fever game. Nevertheless, Reese has publicly stated that she has no ill will against Clark. For example, officials called a flagrant 1 on Reese after she inadvertently swiped Clark’s head during a block attempt during the June 16th matchup. Reese emphasized that the incident resulted from a basketball play, which Clark later supported.

Portnoy wants Reese to embrace the rivalry more and own a disliking for Caitlin Clark, but the rookie forward is focused on the big picture.

Angel Reese wants the Sky to be great, just as Caitlin Clark does the Fever

Despite being 22 years old, Reese has already etched her name in the WNBA record books. The former LSU women’s basketball star has amassed seventh straight double-doubles, the most ever for a rookie. Through 14 games, Reese averages 12.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.9 steals. Reese gave reporters motivational insight after her historical June 20th game against the Dallas Wings.