When Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese first clashed during that unforgettable 2023 NCAA Championship game, it was clear their rivalry was one for the ages.
Fast forward to the WNBA’s opening weekend, and the tension between these two standout stars has made its way to the professional stage—with fireworks already erupting.
During a high-energy matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky, things got heated in the third quarter when Clark gave Reese a hard shove after an offensive rebound.
Reese hit the floor, and while it might’ve looked aggressive in real time, Clark insists it wasn’t personal.
H2: Clark Responds to Foul Controversy
Right after the play, Clark’s arm made contact with Reese’s, knocking her down and causing an immediate reaction.
Reese, clearly frustrated, jumped up and moved toward Clark before her teammates quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation.
After reviewing the incident, referees decided to upgrade Clark’s foul to a flagrant one—something the Indiana guard didn’t see coming.
Speaking to ESPN during the game, Clark was quick to defend herself.
“It was just a good take foul,” she said confidently.
“Either Angel gets a free two points, or we make them earn it at the line. There was nothing malicious about it.”
H2: Not Backing Down Postgame
Clark doubled down on her stance after the game during her press conference, reiterating that there was no bad intent behind the play. “I wasn’t trying to be dirty,” she told reporters.
“That’s not who I am. I went for the ball—you can see it clearly in the replay.”
She added that while she disagreed with the call to upgrade her foul, she accepted the decision as part of the game.
“The refs make those judgment calls. I might not like it, but I respect it.”
H2: Reese Misses and the Crowd Erupts
Despite the drama, Reese headed to the free-throw line and missed her first shot—a moment that had the Fever home crowd roaring in celebration.
She sank the second, and the Sky briefly narrowed the score gap, but it wasn’t enough.
Indiana quickly shifted momentum with a 9-0 scoring run to close out the third quarter, pushing their lead to 20 points. From there, Chicago never really threatened again.
H2: Indiana Dominates as Clark Gets the Last Laugh
The game ended in a dominant 93-58 victory for the Fever, giving Clark and her squad a triumphant start to the season.
For fans following the ongoing Clark-Reese rivalry, this was another memorable chapter—with Clark coming out on top this time around.
Though their tension is palpable, it’s undeniable that both players are fiercely competitive and have brought a much-needed spotlight to the WNBA
Their battles—both verbal and physical—have become must-watch moments.
H2: A Rivalry With History and Controversy
Their bad blood dates back to college, when Reese famously threw Clark’s signature “You Can’t See Me” taunt back in her face after LSU defeated Iowa.
That NCAA final set the stage for a dynamic on-court rivalry that has continued to build with every meeting.
Last season, their duel extended to the WNBA Rookie of the Year race, which Clark ultimately won.
But tensions flared again during one particularly intense game when Chicago’s Chennedy Carter shoved Clark to the ground.
Cameras caught Reese laughing about the moment with Carter—a clip that stirred backlash and debate.
H2: A Bigger Conversation Beyond the Court
The Clark-Reese dynamic hasn’t just been about sports. Commentators and fans alike have weighed in on the racial undertones that have surrounded the rivalry.
Despite that, the two stars have shown they’re capable of putting the noise aside, even teaming up in last year’s WNBA All-Star Game.
Still, as the 2025 season kicks off, it’s clear that this feud isn’t cooling off anytime soon—and fans will be watching every second.
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