What it was like to be partners with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese is described by Cheryl Miller: “The best thing that could have happened to me”

When you look back at your career, especially a career as long and as storied as mine, you think about the moments that define you—those precious, defining moments that change everything. You think about the players you’ve shared the court with, the ones who made you better, the ones who helped you become who you are. And in that reflection, what stands out to me more than anything is the remarkable privilege of playing alongside two of the most dynamic and electric players the game of basketball has ever seen: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

When I was given the opportunity to partner with these two players—one a sharpshooter and a playmaker, the other a powerhouse and relentless force—I knew it was going to be a special experience. What I couldn’t have fully appreciated at the time, though, was just how deeply the synergy between us would impact not only my love for the game but the way I viewed basketball itself.

I had seen Caitlin Clark play, of course. Her shooting ability was out of this world. The way she could pull up from anywhere on the court and drain three-pointers like it was second nature was a spectacle. And then there was Angel Reese. Her game was a reflection of the power and finesse that I had always cherished. She brought the kind of hustle, grit, and energy that every great player needs, and she did it with a style and flair that made her stand out among the elite.

But more than just their raw skills, it was their personalities—how they fit together, how they complemented each other—that made the experience of being their partner truly unforgettable.

The Essence of Caitlin Clark

Caitlin was—and still is—a once-in-a-generation talent. It wasn’t just her shooting that caught my attention; it was her basketball IQ, her vision on the court, and her unrelenting desire to win. When you played with Caitlin, you knew one thing: she was always looking for the best option. Whether it was dishing out an assist or pulling up for a deep three, Caitlin had the ability to make something happen out of nothing. Her ability to read the floor was uncanny, and that made her an ideal partner for anyone.

When I think back to our time together, I remember the rhythm we found. It wasn’t just about Caitlin putting up points or creating assists. It was about the unspoken connection we shared, the ability to find each other in those critical moments, to trust each other implicitly. Basketball has always been about more than just individual talent for me—it’s about building something greater as a team. And Caitlin embodied that mindset.

There was something special about the way Caitlin would take a shot, almost as if she were daring the defender to stop her. She wasn’t afraid of the big moment, and when the game was on the line, that’s when she rose to the occasion. What was even more remarkable was how humble she stayed, how she always gave credit to her teammates, knowing that basketball is a team game no matter how many points you put on the board.

In every practice session, every game, Caitlin taught me something new about the importance of confidence and creativity. She made me remember that basketball wasn’t just about playing the way the game had always been played—it was about pushing the boundaries and making it your own.

The Dominance of Angel Reese

If Caitlin was the sharpshooter, Angel was the bruising, dominant force in the paint. Where Caitlin’s shots would light up the scoreboard, Angel’s rebounds, post moves, and sheer strength would ignite the team’s energy. When you think of Angel Reese, you think of power and tenacity, two attributes that made her an absolute beast on both ends of the floor. But Angel’s game was more than just muscle—it was intelligence and heart.

I’ll never forget how Angel approached every game with a level of intensity that was impossible to ignore. You could feel her presence the moment she stepped on the court. She played with a chip on her shoulder, as if she had something to prove every time she suited up. But what really set Angel apart was her relentless work ethic. She didn’t just want to be great—she worked for it every single day. Her defense was suffocating, her rebounding was dominant, and her finishing around the rim was something special. And it wasn’t just about scoring points; it was about setting the tone for her teammates, about making everyone around her better.

There were moments when Angel would grab a crucial rebound, fight through multiple defenders, and finish with a tough layup. Those were the moments when you couldn’t help but think, “This is the kind of player you want on your team.” She was the heartbeat of our team, always working relentlessly, always pushing herself—and the team—forward. Playing alongside someone with that kind of fire and determination made me realize the importance of grit and resilience in the game. It wasn’t always about making the flashy plays or looking pretty—it was about doing whatever it took to get the job done.

Synergy Between Caitlin and Angel

What truly made the partnership between Caitlin, Angel, and me so special wasn’t just our individual abilities—it was the way we fit together. The contrast in our playing styles wasn’t a weakness; it was a strength. Caitlin’s finesse and vision complemented Angel’s power and intensity, and together we created a balance that made us virtually unstoppable.

On offense, Caitlin’s playmaking ability opened up so many opportunities for both of us. She could draw defenders away with her scoring, and Angel could exploit that space in the paint, dominating the boards and finishing at the rim. On the defensive end, Angel’s ability to lock down her opponent allowed Caitlin and me to take more risks, knowing that Angel would be there to clean up any mistakes. We fed off each other’s energy, pushing ourselves to be better every time we stepped on the floor.

One of the things I loved most about our partnership was how we communicated without words. It was like we were always on the same wavelength. When Caitlin was on the break, I knew she was looking for me or Angel. When Angel crashed the boards, I knew she’d find a way to get it out to the guards. It was this kind of unspoken understanding that made our time together so extraordinary.

Lessons Learned

I learned so much from playing with Caitlin and Angel. Caitlin showed me the power of confidence and creativity, of being fearless in your approach to the game. She taught me that basketball doesn’t always have to be conventional—it can be an expression of who you are, a canvas for your talent. Angel, on the other hand, reminded me of the importance of grit and hard work. She taught me that you don’t always have to be flashy to be great. Sometimes, it’s about doing the dirty work, grinding it out, and leading by example.

Together, they showed me the full spectrum of what makes a great player: the skill, the heart, the mindset, and the work ethic. And through that partnership, I was reminded of what it means to play for something greater than yourself. It’s not just about individual accolades or statistics—it’s about creating something as a team, pushing each other to new heights, and building a legacy together.

The Best Thing That Could Have Happened

In the end, being partners with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese was more than just a great basketball experience—it was a gift. I got to witness firsthand the future of the game, and I got to be part of something much bigger than myself. It wasn’t just about basketball; it was about camaraderie, about building relationships that transcended the court.

Looking back, I can honestly say that being a part of that trio was one of the best things that could have happened to me. And I will always be grateful for the time I spent alongside these two incredible athletes, these two incredible people, who changed the game in ways I never could have imagined.