Angel Reese's Foul on Caitlin Clark Sparks Mixed Reactions

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese called it "a basketball play." Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark said, "It's just part of basketball." Fever coach Christie Sides stated, "The right call was made in that moment." However, former USC and NFL quarterback Matt Leinart had a different take, posting on X: "Angel Reese should be suspended. Period."

These comments came after an incident during Indiana's 91-83 win over Chicago on Sunday, where Reese hit Clark hard in the head while attempting to block a shot. Late in the third quarter, Clark was driving to the basket when Reese swung her right arm overhand, aiming for the ball but hitting Clark's face instead. Clark fell, and her teammates quickly came to her aid.

Initially, Reese was called for a common foul, but after review, it was upgraded to a flagrant-1 violation. When asked if she thought the call was appropriate, Reese said, "It was a basketball play. I can't control the refs. They affected the game obviously a lot tonight." She added that she was always going for the ball and not intending to harm Clark. Reese finished the game with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists.

In her postgame news conference, Clark was asked about her thoughts after the foul. She responded, "What’s going through my mind? It’s, ‘I’m gonna make these two free throws.’ That’s all I’m thinking about," said Clark, who ended the game with 23 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. "It's just part of basketball. It is what it is, you know, she’s trying to make a play on the ball and get the block. It happens."