Unlike other rookies of her class, ‘Bayou Barbie’ entered the Chicago Sky as an arch-rival of the WNBA Draft No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark. Last Sunday, Reese got the opportunity to face off against her 22-year-old rival for the second time. Coming off a loss against the Fever in the first matchup, Sky’s second game was highly anticipated by players and spectators alike. The most-watched WNBA telecast in the last 23 years resulted in an 83-91 victory for the Fever. But the real battle started off the court and left Reese “silent.”

After the game, a Chicago Sun journalist visited Reese to record her take on the recent matchup. But something unexpected happened. To every question asked, Reese didn’t say much. “I’m good,” said Reese, via the Chicago Sun. When urged to add more words and reveal her thoughts, she added, “I know how y’all like to twist my words, so I’m just keeping it short and sweet.” Reese seems to be cautious after the recent outrage when she spoke up against Clark.

In the third quarter of the matchup, Reese was keeping a tight check on Clark. As the Fever’s star attempted a shot, Reese blocked her and smacked Clark’s head. Immediately, Reese’s action was announced as a flagrant 1 foul. This, as expected, made her angry, and she remarked, “Some people get a special whistle.” Reese likely referred to “Clark” as some people while probably hinting at favoritism surrounding Clark.

After the interview, she further explained her actions by saying, “This is a basketball play.” Even Clark herself mentioned, “She’s trying to make a play on the ball” to clarify everything in front of the media. But, that didn’t work as Reese was subjected to criticism for her play.

Though Reese has said she will stick to short responses in order to avoid any media misunderstanding. But, does this mean Reese is weak?

Reese’s rivalry and media scrutiny

Of course not. The recent happening was just a new addition to the streak of wordy battles led by Reese. Back during the NCAA Championships last year, Reese for the first time faced off against Clark’s fandom. She threw down the gauntlet at Caitlin Clark, saying, “Not just one person,” while recalling other basketball stars’ contributions to uplift the WNBA to new heights.

As May recorded the highest attendance in a month after years, Clark’s arrival was considered to be the vital reason for inviting spectators to fill up arenas by up to 94%. Reese once again pointed out that this was not just because of one player. Further, Reese let out her frustration through her words and continued working on her skills.

Finally, Reese put up a decent performance in the second matchup with Fever, scoring 11 points and 13 rebounds in just 31 minutes of gameplay against the Fever. Though, this was not enough for Chicago Sky to bag the victory. But, now the question is: did Reese deserve the level of backlash she did for a foul? Let us know your thoughts.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.