Jemele Hill says Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese's careers are intertwined like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: In her appearance on 'TMZ Live', sports journalist Jemele Hill drew an intriguing comparison between the rivalry of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese with that of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

Hill emphasized that while Clark and Reese might not be close personally, their professional paths are intertwined similarly to the iconic NBA legends, TMZ reported.

Jemele Hill likens the Clark-Reese basketball rivalry to the legendary Magic-Bird matchup

"Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had the most watched men's national championship game in history," Hill said.

"They had a rivalry from that game and they brought all that with them to the NBA," she added.

Hill noted that the rivalry between Clark and Reese became significantly more intense and widely discussed after Reese taunted Clark with the "You Can't See Me" gesture during the 2023 women's national championship game. This same gesture had been used by Clark earlier in the tournament.

Hill highlighted that while Clark was already gaining popularity before the rivalry, the incident with Reese amplified the conversation around them.

"Caitlin Clark was certainly surging in popularity before her and Angel Reese crossed paths," she said. "But the moment Angel Reese did the (you can't see me gesture), this rivalry and the conversation around them both went to a completely different level."

Discussing why Clark seems to receive more focus than Reese, Hill suggested that Clark's demographic profile plays a significant role.

She mentioned, "Not only is she good, not only is she a record breaker, not only does she have an electric style of play," Hill said. "But she's white, she's straight and she's from Iowa. So you have an underdog story that's in there."

"You have somebody (that's) White (and) that matters in this country. It mattered for Larry Bird, too! People who had not seen themselves dominate at a level from that particular place," she added.

Hill brought attention to the challenges Reese faces, including the racial abuse and threats she has endured, which adds a complex layer to the rivalry.

Despite being cast as a villain in the media, Reese's public statements have shown her perspective on the rivalry's impact.

"She talked about the weight and the toll of having to face death threats," Hill said "Having to be called racist names for the last couple years simply because of her competitive rivalry with Caitlin Clark."

Jemele Hill's comparison divides the Internet

The comparison made by Jemele Hill between the Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry and the historic rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird has sparked a heated debate online. Many users took to social media to express their contrasting views on the analogy.

One social media user said, "Nah. There was always mutual respect between Bird and Magic, even in college. Their rivalry was strictly about the game. Both brought out the best in each other. Not the worst. There was nothing personal or petty."

Another asked, "Is it a rivalry if it’s one sided and the other person is being respectful?! Angel Reese is petty AF and full of herself."

One person stated, "Magic Johnson and Larry Bird had respect for each other! They were rivals and competitors on the court but played with sportsmanship! They were role models and class acts!"

Criticism of Reese's talent and demeanor also surfaced, with one user asserting, "Except Angel Reese doesn't have any exceptional talent at all and she's obviously jealous and envious. Don't ever mention her in the same breath as legends ever!!!"

One individual pointed out the perceived imbalance in the rivalry by writing, "I’m sorry but the only person in this Faux rivalry is Angel. And, it’s not a racial thing. It’s her behavior! Play your best and treat the other ladies with respect and it’ll all work out. She wants to be 'the star'."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.