Angel Reese debuts custom "Joker" sneakers vs. Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever

The animosity between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, two top WNBA prospects, has its roots in their college basketball days, where they clashed on the court in a series of high-stakes matchups. As they transitioned to the professional level, their rivalry continued to simmer, with both players being drafted into the WNBA this year. Early indications suggest that their competitive dynamic is far from dissipating, with fans eager to see how the ongoing battle between these two talented players unfolds.

Angel Reese, who has averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds during the season so far, stepped foot in the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana, the home of Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever ready to add another important chapter to the well-documented rivalry. The ChiTown Barbie was so prepared in fact, that she decided to continue the tradition of wearing a custom pair of sneakers during these games. Reese once again sported a version of the Reebok Solution model which was hand painted by sneaker customizing artist Marvin Baroota. Baroota owns SoLegit Customs, a sneaker customizing company that has transformed models for Reese in the past as well as other pieces of footwear for other athletes.

Reese and Baroota drew inspiration for the new sneaker from the crazed Batman villain, The Joker.

For the first matchup of the season between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky, Baroota created a custom pink Barbie design for Reese to sport. This time around, the collaboration between Baroota and Reese brought a darker side of the art when a Joker-like design was implemented and stepped onto the court. The design is coated in a scaled purple upper with white laces and tongue piece accompanied by a red lining topped with an eerie smile which shows homage to the character and the "HA HA HA" design signature to Joker and his crazy tendencies covering the toe box. The shoe is brought together with a white midsole and finished with a blue bottom.

While it is a rivalry on the court, the stats and everything surrounding the feud have played into everything as well. Clark, who is playing with a season average of 15.6 points, is currently slated to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year award, while Reese remains in contention. Angel Reese, however, has become the first athlete to sign a long-term NIL contract with Reebok. On the other hand, Caitlin Clark has been rumored to have found a spot on the Nike roster while there has yet to be an official announcement from the "Just Do It" brand.

The ongoing rivalry between the two women is expected to persist, but it's clear that both individuals and the WNBA as a whole are generating significant buzz and fueling the brand's growth. As the competition continues to escalate, it will be exciting to see how it unfolds and what impact it has on the league's popularity.