Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have had their fair share of battles on the court, but according to WNBA analyst Robin Lundberg, the two former college rivals turned WNBA pros could also turn into one of Team USA's most effective pairings.

You may ask why, and the answer lies in their playstyles. Lundberg pointed to their contrasting skill sets as the key to the pairing's success. Clark's ability to create shots and find teammates in transition pairs naturally with Reese's willingness to do the physical work on the glass.

“I think you know Angel and Caitlyn will have a good connection and can play together very well," Lundberg said on Wednesday via YouTube. "There’s no question about that. We saw it a little bit with Team USA before.”

Screening was another area singled out. Film from Team USA's World Cup qualifying run showed Reese setting multiple screens that opened driving lanes and space for Clark, even in possessions where Clark ultimately looked elsewhere.

"She doesn't necessarily need to have the ball," said Robin Lundberg via YouTube on Wednesday about Reese, noting that her willingness to do the dirty work could free up easy opportunities for Clark. However, he also pointed out a flaw in this pairing.

Clark-Reese duo still has one major problem to overcome

According to the same analysis by Robin Lundberg, the one clear friction point remains finishing at the rim. Clark has built much of her Fever offense around dishing easy looks near the basket, an area where Reese has historically struggled to convert. 

Clark herself has explained that "a lot of my assists" come from "just rim assists, easy layups for my teammates." This means Reese's finishing will need to improve for the partnership to reach its ceiling.

Lundberg was careful to note the observation wasn't meant to "pick on her," but rather to point out where the fit needs work. 

Still, the two have shown moments of chemistry before, including widely shared clips from the World Cup Qualifying tournament, the moment many read as a sign that the rivalry has cooled into mutual respect.

Furthermore, with a talented young core also featuring Paige Bueckers, the analyst believes Team USA's newer generation should mesh quickly. Aliyah Boston, however, was noted as the only player from that young core currently not with a defined role in this setup.

Do you think Clark and Reese can thrive as Team USA teammates? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Ajitesh Rawat

Edited by

Rudra Dubey