Cameras catch Angel Reese’s gesture toward Caitlin Clark during Team USA game

Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark and Team USA started their FIBA World Cup campaign on a high note. They defeated China 94-61, sending a strong message to the rest of the competition. The duo checked in to the game at the same time, and cameras captured the Atlanta Dream forward’s gesture to the Indiana Fever guard.

Reese and Clark both came off the bench but performed well. The Iowa Hawkeyes product delivered a historic performance, finishing with 14 points, three rebounds, 11 assists and three three-pointers. She became the first USA player to record a double-double in her World Cup debut. Reese, on the other hand, produced five points and nine rebounds, showing that she wasn’t afraid of facing China’s centers, including 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu.

Team USA will next face Italy on Sunday before wrapping up its preliminary round games with a matchup against Czechia. The Americans have won the world championship four consecutive times and are aiming to extend their streak this year.

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark pose for photos before the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Angel Reese’s signal to Caitlin Clark during USA-China game captured on camera

Reese and Clark at beside the scorers’ table before they entered the game. The star guard immediately stood up during a dead-ball situation but Reese told her not to rush to the court, avoiding a potential violation. Players need to wait for the buzzer before entering the court, and international referees are strict about the rule.

This is cute.. CC and Angel checking in at the same time.. CC in a rush and Angel tells her to wait for the buzzer
pic.twitter.com/iATFwi3U7t

— Megnomaniac (@justskulk) September 4, 2026

The two may be rivals in the WNBA, but they are teaming up with one goal in mind, along with their Team USA teammates. Analyts expect them to sweep the preliminary round and advance to the knockout stage. The quarterfinals is set to begin on Sept. 10, with the gold medal game scheduled to be played three days later. Reese and Clark could play even bigger roles as the World Cup progresses.