The most recent chapter in that rivalry occurred on Sunday, June 16, when Clark’s Indiana Fever hosted Reese’s Chicago Sky. The Fever won by eight points, their second in a row and third in the last four games. However, the top news from the evening had nothing to do with the scoreboard. Instead, it was about a hard foul Reese committed on Clark, which the officials later increased to a flagrant 1.
Following the triumph, Clark took to the platform to answer questions about the foul and her rivalry with Reese.
I believe it is simply the emotion and intensity that we play with, which people enjoy seeing. And I believe that this has not always been valued in women’s sports, but it should be. I believe that’s what makes it enjoyable. We are competitors. That’s how the game should be. It’s going to get a little nasty and violent, but at the end of the day, both teams just want to win.
I think what [Reese] has accomplished with her platform is just remarkable. She has a large fan base that has backed her. What she did at Maryland and then LSU, I’ve obviously played her for a long time, and she’s a fantastic player, so it’s been wonderful to compete again. I believe it has had a positive impact on the game.
Angel Reese Speaks Out on Refereeing Following Flagrant 1 Call
Reese had her own comments after the game, claiming that the foul was a basketball play and not malicious.
“It was a basketball play,” Reese explained. “I can’t control the referees. They undoubtedly had a significant impact on the game tonight. I always go for the ball. You’re going to play that footage 20 times before Monday, so.”
The foul occurred late in the third quarter, when Clark drove to the hoop. Reese pursued her from behind, taking a swipe as Clark attempted a layup. Reese missed the ball and made considerable contact with Clark’s head.
Referees initially judged the action a common foul, which was later upgraded to a flagrant 1 after review.
The decision to escalate the call to a flagrant 1 indicates that officials regarded the interaction needless. The league defines a flagrant 2 as “excessive” contact with intent.
Caitlin Clark is establishing herself as a WNBA star.
Clark’s contribution to the victory was somewhat overshadowed by the commotion around the foul and the postgame comments.
Clark finished with an efficient 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field, including 3-of-7 from behind the 3-point line and 6-of-6 from the foul line. She had nine assists, eight rebounds, and two blocks.
Reese also performed well in the game, scoring 11 points and grabbing 13 rebounds to go with 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.
The Fever won the game 91-83 and improved to 5-10 on the season, while the Sky dropped to 4-9.
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