Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are now best frenemies.
Iowa's Clark and LSU's Reese put on a heck of a show in the NCAA women's national championship game, capping off an insane month of madness with plenty of drama and talking points.
In the closing minutes of the win, Reese made headlines and waves for her "You Can't See Me" taunt of Clark, with some questioning her sportsmanship and others trashing the gesture. Reese was quick to defend herself after the game and others have since joined in, including the player she targeted with the taunt.
MORE: LSU's Angel Reese addresses double standard
Speaking with ESPN on Tuesday, Clark came to Reese's defense, saying no criticism should be directed at the LSU star:
"I don't think Angel should be criticized at all."
— ESPN (@espn) April 4, 2023
Caitlin Clark said she thought Angel Reese received too much backlash for her celebrations during the championship game. (via @OTLonESPN) pic.twitter.com/i8tZyO8bai
Caitlin Clark to ESPN just now: “I don't think Angel should be criticized at all. No matter what way it goes, she should never be criticized for what she did. I compete, she competed.
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) April 4, 2023
“It was a super, super fun game. I think that's what's going to bring more people to our game”
"I don't think Angel should be criticized at all," Clark said. "No matter which way it goes, she should never be criticized for what she did. I'm just one that competes, and she competed.
"I think everybody knew there was gonna be a little trash talk all tournament, it's not just me and Angel. I don't think she should be criticized, like I said. LSU deserves it, they played so well. And, like I said, I'm a big fan of hers."
MORE: Shaq defends LSU's Angel Reese from Keith Olbermann's trash-talking criticism
During the spot, Clark also brushed off First Lady Jill Biden's comment that both LSU and Iowa should visit the White House, saying the trip should only be reserved for winners and adding that maybe she'll get to visit the White House on "different terms" — presumably an Iowa national championship win.
"I don't think runner-ups usually go to the White House. I think LSU should enjoy that moment for them."
— ESPN (@espn) April 4, 2023
—Caitlin Clark on if Iowa should join LSU at the White House (via @OTLonESPN) pic.twitter.com/M35mGY8oPp
"I don't think runner-ups usually go to the White House — I think LSU should enjoy that moment for them," Clark said. "Congratulations, obviously, they deserve to go there. Maybe I can go to the White House on different terms."
Reese was none too pleased with the Iowa invitation.
Clark gained a level of fame herself for her trash-talking ways throughout the tournament. In the Elite Eight, she mocked Louisville's Hailey Van Lith with a wrestling taunt. In the Final Four, she dismissively waved off South Carolina players.
It's good to see that not only can Clark dish it, but take it, too.