Image Source: AFP
[Saba Sports News] Angel Reese was assessed a flagrant 1 for a hard foul on Caitlin Clark on Sunday, but it doesn’t seem to have bothered Clark.
Clark was hit in the head by Reese on a layup attempt late in the third quarter of the Indiana Fever’s 91-83 win over the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Reese appeared to be going for the ball but missed and hit Clark in the head instead, causing her to fall hard to the floor. The play was reviewed and upgraded to a flagrant 1 foul, which WNBA rules define as “unnecessary contact.”
Clark addressed the foul during her postgame press conference, defending Reese.
“It’s just part of basketball. It is what it is,” Clark said. “She’s trying to make a play on the ball and get the block. It happens.”
Reese also commented on the foul, stating, “It’s a basketball play. I can’t control the refs. They affected the game a lot tonight. I’m always going for the ball, but you’re going to play that clip 20 times before Monday? It’s cool.”
The play drew significant attention due to the rivalry between Clark and Reese. Reese gained notoriety when she taunted Clark after LSU beat Iowa in the women’s NCAA national championship game two seasons ago. Earlier this season, Reese was openly pleased about a teammate knocking down Clark during a previous game.
Sunday’s flagrant foul is just another chapter in the ongoing history between Clark and Reese.