Caitlin Clark says Angel Reese was ‘trying to make a play’ after rival hit her in the head in Fever’s win over the Sky
Caitlin Clark shook off any malicious intentions from Angel Reese, who hit her in the head during their second WNBA showdown on Sunday.
In the third quarter of a highly contested game, Clark drove to the basket to try and extend the Fever’s one-point lead. As the No. 1 pick went up for the layup, she had her shot swatted by Isabelle Harrison.
Additionally, Reese attempted the block from behind. But having missed the ball completely, she swung her forearm on the side of Clark’s head.
When asked about what went through her mind after the contact, Clark said: ‘What’s going through my mind is I gotta make these two free throws. That’s all I’m thinking about.’
‘It’s just part of basketball,’ she continued. ‘It is what it is. She’s trying to make a play on the ball and get the block. Yeah, it happens.’
Caitlin Clark claimed that Angel Reese was ‘trying to make a play’ after hitting her in the head
Caitlin Clark on the flagrant 1 foul from Angel Reese: “It’s just part of basketball, it is what it is, she was trying to make a play on the ball.” — Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) June 16, 2024
Reese was issued a flagrant 1 for the foul. Meanwhile, Clark appeared shaken up before getting on her feet with the help of her teammates.
In her first meeting with Reese and the Sky since Chennedy Carter infamously bodychecked her earlier this month, Chicago unsurprisingly stepped on the gas with their physicality on the rookie sensation.
But as their first game this season, Clark and the Fever again emerged despite the Sky’s overly aggressive approach in defense.
The Fever followed their 71-70 win on June 1 with a 91-83 win on Sunday. Clark had the last laugh, flirting with a triple-double with 23 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds.
Despite the loss, Reese also put up good numbers with 11 points and 13 rebounds in 31 minutes. No. 3 draft pick Kamilla Cardoso also put up a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Caitlin Clark is fouled while driving to the basket — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 16, 2024
Reese was charged with a flagrant 1 after her failed block attempt hit Clark in the face
The Chicago Sky had a physical approach towards the Fever rookie in their game on Sunday
Clark and the Fever defeated Chicago for the second time this season with a 91-83 win
Clark nearly tallied a triple-double with 23 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds in the win
Marina Mabrey led Chicago in scoring with 22 points in their losing effort.
Besides Clark leading the charge for Indiana, four other Fever starters notched double-digit points to contribute to their fifth victory this season.
Aliyah Boston tallied 19 points and 14 rebounds. Meanwhile, Kelsey Mitchell and NaLyssa Smith had 17 and 15 points, respectively.
After the hard foul, Clark had no issues from the charity stripe as she hit a third of her 6-6 free throw shooting for the afternoon.
‘Those free throws, when you shoot them with nobody at the line, are kind of hard,’ Clark said. ‘Just trying to focus on making those.’
