Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese have emerged as two of the most exciting WNBA players after both became two of the most talked about NCAA players. The Fever and Sky faced off against one another again on Sunday, and Reese spoke to reporters about what the immense amount of media exposure has meant.
Reese spoke specifically about the huge crowd that was in attendance for the Fever vs. Sky showdown.
“It’s good for the game. It’s good for women’s basketball, but also good for women’s sports,” Reese said. “You see NBA players, rappers, and legends that have played in the league for a long time come out and show support. You know everybody is watching right now … Both teams did an amazing job putting on a show. It was fun. I had a great time. I’m sure the other team had a great time. I’m just glad we won.”
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Reese’s demeanor was far more relaxed this time around, and a big reason for that could have been the 88-87 victory the Sky got to enjoy, especially for the efforts the rookie put in the waning seconds of the game. Just a short six days ago, the Sky and Fever faced off, but it was the Fever that walked away with the 91-83 victory.
Reese has been plenty outspoken about the exposure that she has had in the WNBA, reminding the public that it’s not just Clark who is turning heads. She is accurate in that considering the Sky forward secured a record-breaking seven double-doubles in a row on July 21. She is angling to land Rookie of the Year honors and could be giving Clark a run for her money in that category.
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Clark and Reese’s rivalry began at the NCAA level when the LSU Tigers and Iowa Hawkeyes met in the 2022 NCAA Tournament Championship. Reese helped catapult her team to a decisive victory and hit Clark with the famous “You can’t see me” hand gesture from WWE superstar John Cena.
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Even though Reese stated that she and Clark did not hate one another, the pair would meet at the WNBA level. The first game that saw the Sky and Fever face off was full of drama. Sky guard Chennedy Carter shoulder-checked Clark, which led to a Flagrant 1 foul. Reese also received a fine for not making herself available after the loss.
Fast-forward to the Sky and Fever game on June 16, Reese was making a play on the ball but hit Clark in the head. She was given a Flagrant 1 foul for the hit, though she claimed she was attempting to make a play on the ball.
That sentiment was echoed by Clark, who has said she understands how competitive she and Reese are. Both women are at the start of their careers, but people are tuning in to see what happens next. This could just be the next great rivalry in basketball.
