“Me and Caitlin Clark don’t hate each other,” Angel Reese once said. While labeled by some as beefing, these two WNBA stars see it as just a fiercely competitive game. Not to mention, their rivalry stretches back to their NCAA days. It has only reignited in their second WNBA season, sparking intense fan interest. Is this rivalry truly renewed with their latest clash? A former NBA player weighed in on the debate, adding fuel to the fire.
The rivalry between the two WNBA players was sparked even before 2023. At the 2022–23 national championship game, the drama erupted when Reese did the ‘You can’t see me’ gesture and won the game too. Since then, the clash between the two WNBA stars has been hyped up the most, just like their first matchup this season.
During the third quarter in the Fever vs. Sky game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Fever star jumped for the ball when she seemingly slapped Reese’s arm in the process. Both Aaliyah Boston and Reese were given technicals, while Clark was called for a flagrant foul. However, the highlight was Reese turning back and charging at Clark while her teammates stopped her.
Reese’s behavior is under debate with several players and fans sharing their take. Speaking of the same, Matt Barnes shared, “I did see Angel Reese pushed someone in the back they didn’t call it. she got the offensive rebound Caitlyn Clark gave her a hard take foul. I definitely didn’t think it was.”
The former Los Angeles Lakers player further added, “I think Angel dramatized it a little bit and and flailed but then she got up ready for smoke and now the talk is is this does she hate I don’t give a s— if they like each other or not who cares I think what has grown this game is the storyline and the rivalry that started back in college,” Barnes claimed. Is he right?
May 17, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) reacts to a flagrant foul from Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 93-58.Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-IndyStar via Imagn Images
Vernon Maxwell also commented on it. While he said that he enjoys the rivalry, he disagreed with the hate Reese received because of it. And considering their history, the clash between Reese and Clark isn’t so surprising. It has just reignited, with NBA experts, legends, and fans partaking in the drama! Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas has also shared his opinion!
What is Gilbert Arenas, Swoopes and Gils Arena crew’s take on the heated clash
In the recent episode of Gil’s Arena, the crew didn’t miss out on the chaotic clash. Reese’s biggest supporter and WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes shared her opinion that the refs were right about the foul. Similar to Barnes, the rest of the crew argued that Reese’s action toward Clark was because of her particular opponent.
As Swoopes argued back, justifying Reese’s behavior, Arenas countered with an instance from last year involving Alyssa Thomas, when Reese didn’t charge back at her. The call, which was initially a flagrant foul II, was later changed to an ejection.
And what do Clark and Reese think about it? After the game, the Fever star clarified that there was no malicious intent. However, she disagreed with the foul. Reese also addressed the matter and had a very different sentiment than before. She said it was a “basketball play” but agreed with the referee’s decision.
Later in the game, the two were even seen sharing a high five. While at the end of the game they still had different opinions on the incident, the beef between the two doesn’t seem to have deepened, if there was any to begin with.
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