Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Clash in WNBA Season Opener
Heated Exchange Marks Sky-Fever Rivalry
The WNBA 2025 season kicked off with a fiery moment between Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese. During their season-opening game on May 17, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, a hard foul by Clark on Reese sparked a heated exchange.
The incident, late in the third quarter, added fuel to their ongoing rivalry. The Fever dominated the Sky, winning 93-58, but the foul became the game’s talking point. Both players downplayed the moment post-game, but it stole the spotlight from their performances.
Background of the Rivalry
Clark and Reese have been rivals since their college days, most notably during the 2023 NCAA Championship when Reese’s LSU defeated Clark’s Iowa. Their competitive history carried into the WNBA, with physical matchups in 2024.
Last season, Reese committed a flagrant foul on Clark, and other Sky players, like Chennedy Carter, targeted Clark with hard fouls. The Fever-Sky games have become must-watch events due to this tension. The close proximity of Indianapolis and Chicago adds a regional edge, making every encounter intense. Fans and media amplify the drama, framing it as a clash of styles and personalities.
How the Foul Happened
With 4:38 left in the third quarter, the Fever led 56-42. Reese grabbed an offensive rebound and drove for a layup. Clark, the nearest defender, stepped in to stop her. Clark swiped at the ball with her right hand but followed through with her left, pushing Reese in the back. Reese hit the floor hard and immediately jumped up, confronting Clark with heated words. Lip-readers on social media claimed Reese said, “What the f*** is wrong with you?” Fever’s Aliyah Boston stepped between them, escalating the scuffle. Referees reviewed the play, upgrading Clark’s foul to a Flagrant 1 for unnecessary contact. Reese and Boston received offsetting technical fouls for verbal and physical taunts. Reese made one of two free throws, but the Sky couldn’t close the gap.
Player Performances Shine Despite Drama
Caitlin Clark was the star, recording a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. She made four three-pointers and added four blocks, showcasing her all-around game. Her performance moved her to third on the WNBA’s career triple-double list.
Angel Reese, returning from a wrist injury, posted a double-double with 12 points and a game-high 17 rebounds. However, she struggled offensively, shooting 5-of-14. The Sky’s offense faltered, hitting only 29.1% of their shots. Clark’s Fever teammates, including Aliyah Boston (19 points, 13 rebounds) and Natasha Howard (15 points), overwhelmed Chicago. New Sky player Ariel Atkins added 11 points but couldn’t spark a comeback.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Fans on social media were divided. Some Fever supporters defended Clark, calling the foul a strategic take foul to stop an easy basket. One X user wrote, “It’s just basketball, not personal.” Others criticized Clark, pointing to her push as excessive.
Sky fans rallied behind Reese, with some accusing referees of bias. An X post complained, “Clark gets a flagrant, but Reese gets a technical for reacting?” Reese’s teammate Ariel Atkins called out the “hate” and “dangerous” narratives online, urging fans to focus on the game. The incident fueled debates about the rivalry’s intensity, with some fans loving the passion and others decrying the negativity. The next Fever-Sky game on June 7 in Chicago is already generating hype.
Both Clark and Reese insisted the foul was just a basketball play. Clark told ESPN, “Nothing malicious about it. It’s a good take foul.” Reese echoed, “Refs got it right. Move on.” Despite their words, the moment has set the tone for another dramatic chapter in their rivalry.
