The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese flared up once again during the Indiana Fever’s season opener against the Chicago Sky on May 17, 2025. The intense moment came in the third quarter when Clark committed a hard foul on Reese as she drove in for a layup. The collision sent Reese to the court, drawing a flagrant foul on Clark—the first of her professional career. After the incident, Reese sprang up to confront Clark, though the Fever guard walked away without engaging. The confrontation escalated enough to prompt officials to assess technical fouls on both Reese and Fever forward Aliyah Boston.
Clark addressed the incident shortly after, stating her intentions weren’t malicious. She explained to ESPN that the foul was a typical “take foul” used to stop an easy scoring opportunity, a common tactic in basketball. Nonetheless, the play stood out in a game already thick with anticipation due to the long-running tension between the two stars. Their history dates back to the 2023 NCAA championship, where Reese’s LSU triumphed over Clark’s Iowa team in a high-stakes showdown.
Following the foul and the flurry of free throws, Indiana surged forward with a commanding 9-0 run to close out the third quarter. That momentum carried into the final frame, ending with a dominant 93-58 victory for the Fever. Clark was the undeniable standout, registering a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Meanwhile, Reese contributed 12 points and an impressive 17 rebounds, leading all players in that category.
This game marked another fiery chapter in the growing rivalry between these two rising WNBA stars. Interestingly, their professional clashes have mirrored their collegiate battles in intensity and drama. In one of their matchups last season, Reese was flagged for a flagrant foul on Clark after striking her on a shot attempt, though that incident didn’t escalate as much on the court. At the time, Clark had brushed it off as part of the game, showing how both athletes have navigated their high-profile duels in different ways.
As the season progresses, all eyes will likely remain fixed on these two whenever they share the court. Their competitive fire, skill, and personal history add a layer of excitement to every matchup. While fans and analysts debate the implications of each foul and flare-up, what remains clear is that the Clark-Reese rivalry is becoming one of the most compelling storylines in the WNBA today.
