Angel Reese hits Caitlin Clark in flagrant foul during Sky v Fever rematch as rookie rivalry heats up

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The second WNBA installment of Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese was yet again controversial. The game's heated moment came when Reese was given a flagrant foul against Clark.

Reese whacked Clark in the head on a block attempt in the third quarter of the Indiana Fever's 91-83 victory over Chicago Sky, thereby resulting in the flagrant foul.

Angel Reese clocks Caitlin Clark in the head, hit with flagrant foul

The Indiana Fever hosted the Chicago Sky on Sunday, June 16 marking the second time the teams have faced off this season.

However, it seemed as though the third quarter was when the game's intensity changed. Clark went from making a regular drive to the basket to collapsing onto the parquet. Reese hit the Fever guard in the head while trying to make a layup. Referees evaluated Reese with a flagrant 1 after reviewing the play.

Following a contentious hard foul in the opening game of the season between Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, Reese committed another foul.

Late in the third quarter, Sky guard Chennedy Carter scored a basket. She then switched to defense, covering Clark as she tried to break free in order to receive an inbound pass.

Reese came under fire for seeming to rejoice after Carter made the foul. Carter was called for a common foul by the refs, but following a review, the WNBA raised it to a flagrant 1 violation.

Reese also received a punishment for failing to perform her media duties following the game.

The Fever ultimately defeated the Sky on Sunday afternoon. Indiana's 91-83 victory marked their second victory this season.

It was not only Reese who targeted Clark but, as per Barstool president Dave Portnoy, it was even Dana Evans. 

He posted a video on X that featured Evans being called for a foul after hooking arms with Clark. "Chicago Sky doing Chicago Sky stuff," Portnoy tweeted, adding a scathing comment, "One of these Fever girls, would you go up and knock these idiots out please?" He even added "Someone punch her in the face. Break her nose," with the camera focused on Evans.

Angel Reese defends hitting Caitlin Clark

After the game, a reporter questioned Reese about the egregious violation, but she interrupted him abruptly.

"A basketball play. It was a basketball play," Reese said. "I can't control the refs. They affected the game obviously a lot tonight."

Reese was sure that the referees on opposite ends of the floor were not calling the same game. Collectively, the Sky were whistled for 21 personal fouls, while the Fever were only called for 17. Both Kamilla Cardoso and Reese, rookies, had five fouls apiece.

"I think we went up really strong a lot of times, and we didn’t get a lot of calls," Reese explained when asked about her and Cardoso's performances. "Going back and looking at the film, I’ve seen a lot of calls that weren’t made. I guess some people got a special whistle. But just being able to play hard as best as we can."

What did Caitlin Clark say about Angel Reese's foul? 

As for Clark's thoughts on the flagrant foul, she said, "What’s going through my mind is, ‘I need to make these two free throws," adding "That’s all I’m thinking about. Just a part of basketball. It is what it is. Just trying to make a play on the ball and get the block. It happens."

"I think it’s just the emotion and passion we play with," Clark said.

"I think people love to see that, and I think that’s maybe not something that was always appreciated in women’s sports. And it should be. That’s what makes it fun. We’re competitors. That’s the way the game should be. It’s going to get feisty, it’s going to get physical. But, at the end of the day, both of us are trying to win."

"I think what she’s done with her platform has been absolutely incredible, and she has an entire fan base that’s supported her for what she did at Maryland and LSU. Obviously, I played her a very long time, and she’s been a tremendous player. So, it’s getting to compete against [her], and I think it’s been really good for the game. And people love to see great matchups." 

Clark added, "But, also, at the same time, people tune in for these matchups, but then they get to see how amazing these teams are, and they find new players to support. And continue to come back for them, too. So, I think that’s another benefit of it, honestly."