Angel Reese wore the ‘Joker’ cleats and ended up becoming a villain once again. The double-double queen who has already reached the highest mark for the franchise picked her seventh one today against Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever. However, another thing she picked was a load of fouls over her NCAA rival. While the Indiana fans did not have any complaints with the officiating, they did take a hard look at the post-game comments from both the rookies.

In the postgame presser, Caitlin Clark commented on Angel Reese and her impact on the sport. She said, “I think what she’s (Reese) done with her platform has been absolutely incredible. She has an entire fanbase that has supported her and what she did at Maryland and then LSU. Obviously, I’ve played her for a very long time, and she’s been a tremendous player. It’s been fun getting to compete against.”

The much-anticipated second take between these two superstars definitely did not disappoint. The back-and-forth game where the highest lead never extended beyond 7 points made as many headlines as their first game in the WNBA. Then, it was Chennedy Carter hip-checking Caitlin Clark but not getting a foul call until after the game. Now, it was Reese with five fouls and a flagrant 1 for clotheslining the former Hawkeye.

After the game, Caitlin Clark expressed how these intense matchups are helping the league grow. She explained how when the fans come to see the rookies, they also see other teams. Subsequently, they return to the arenas to watch a new player which grows the sport. She also defended Angel Reese by mentioning that she was only going for the ball. However, it was Reese’s remarks that shook the Fever fans.

Fans praise Caitlin Clark as the rookie glides through the hate

The Fever fans loved how their rookie took the high road and showed what being the face of the league means. At the same time, they did not like what Reese said. In her postgame presser, the Sky forward commented, “I guess some people got a special whistle.” Her taking a charge at the officiating crew did not really bother the fans, until she cryptically took a snark hit at Clark. One fan said just that as they pointed out how Caitlin Clark defended the LSU alum while in the reverse case, she was attacked.

“All Caitlin does is defend angel and all angel does is attack Caitlin”

A WNBA follower used a quippy connection as they took a shot at Reese. In their comment, they said that Caitlin Clark, who has a major in Marketing, did not doze off during the “How to interact with the media” class. Their hit on the former Tiger was that she did not get the memo for the same.

“Some one paid attention in her “How to interact with the the media” classes at college. Too bad Angel didn’t do the same.”

An X user came up to point out the classic answer Clark slipped out of her sleeves once again. She not only praised Angel Reese and the Sky but also the fans. Simultaneously, she also gave her respect to all the other players in the league and put out a fact about how the league is growing. Impressed by the entire response of the Fever rookie, the fan claimed that Reese does not have the maturity to have long-term success in the league. However, they also mentioned that both are good players.

“Another tremendous response. The maturity difference between Reese and Clark are night and day. Both are great players…but only one has the sense and maturity level necessary for long term success-IMO. No ill will either way…but I wish Reese was less bitter and more sensible.”

One women’s basketball fan who seemed to have followed the two ladies in question also came up with their thoughts. They mentioned how Reese has gotten many opportunities to show respect to Clark but she has always given some snide comments on the Fever rookie. Stating her moral compass to be off-center, the person reminded everyone how Kim Mulkey’s student had cried in the media after losing to Caitlin Clark in the Elite Eight matchup back in April.

“Angel has had several opportunities to show the same respect, but it’s clear her moral compass is off center. Always got snide comments.  Today’s post game media appearance was the same Ole Cry Baby attitude.”

Another basketball follower came in the comment section with a question for the Reese fan base. They asked them why they dislike Caitlin Clark when she has never said anything against the player. The fan also stated that if anything, the 3x Nancy Lieberman awardee has always appreciated the Sky rookie and his skills on the floor.

“I don’t understand why Angel Reese’s die hard fans really hate her. Caitlin Clark have NEVER said anything negative about her or others & always shown respect to her game.”

The WNBA is writing many new storylines this season. Some are positively filled with the overall greatness in the league, some are negative with various ‘jealousy’ narratives, and one is for Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Maybe just like the Liberty and the Aces, these two teams will also become rivals. But a one-on-one rivalry is quite new to the W and they seem to be cashing out on it. About the fans? Well, they will have their views at the end of the day. As Caitlin Clark says, “It is what it is.”

If you want more on this epic matchup, here is what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.