Angel Reese flagrant 1 foul, explained: Sky rookie causes controversy with contact on Caitlin Clark during Fever rematch

Emily Dozier

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Angel Reese flagrant 1 foul, explained: Sky rookie causes controversy with contact on Caitlin Clark during Fever rematch image

A Fever-Sky rematch; another chance for Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to battle it out. The game wasn't going to go down without some sort of drama.

The biggest names in the 2024 WNBA rookie class, all eyes have been on Clark and Reese this season just months after their final collegiate games — and they've lived up to the hype. The two sit at the top of the Rookie of the Year race just a month into the season. 

The rematch was about more than them, though, as Chicago looked to snap its losing streak and Indiana fought to get its first winning streak of the season. In a rivalry like theirs, it was going to be an all-out effort from both sides. 

MORE: Fever get second win over Sky in Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rematch

While the Fever and Sky did produce the rematch fans were waiting for, with Indiana getting the victory, it also resulted in more discussions surrounding physical plays with Clark. This time, it was Reese who was the subject of controversy.

Here's what to know about Reese's foul call against Clark that's already sparked another dispute among WNBA viewers.

MORE: Breaking down the matchup history between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

Angel Reese flagrant 1 foul, explained

Late in the third quarter of the Sky-Fever game, Clark's drive to the basket was met with defensive efforts from Izzy Harrison and Reese. While Harrison got the block, Reese's whiffed her attempt. She missed the ball and hit Clark's head instead.

The rookie was issued a common foul that was soon upgraded to a flagrant 1 for unnecessary contact.

Almost immediately, Reese was met with criticism on social media, some calling the contact an "assault" on Clark. The last matchup between the Sky and Fever had a similar fate with Chennedy Carter's controversial hip-check on the Indiana star.

MORE: Revisiting the Caitlin Clark, Chennedy Carter hip-check

As expected, Clark and Reese were asked about the momentum-shifting foul during their post-game press conferences.

The Fever rookie was quick to defend her opponent, saying it was, "Just a part of basketball. It is what it is. Trying to make a play on the ball, get the block. It happens.

“I think it’s just the emotion and the passion that we play with. I think people love to see that and I think that’s maybe not something that was always appreciated in women's sports, and it should be.” Clark finished the game with a team-high 23 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds.

Reese clarified she was going for the ball, not Clark's head, like replays show. However, her frustration lies with the officials.

"They affected the game obviously a lot today...Y'all are going to play that clip 20 times before Monday," she told reporters. "I guess some people got a special whistle."

Angel Reese stats

Despite frustrations from the foul call and the game itself, Reese is further cementing herself as a top contender for Rookie of the Year. She notched her sixth-straight double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

One more game like that and Reese will break the WNBA rookie record for most consecutive double-doubles. The Sky star is tied with Tina Charles and Cindy Brown at six.

MORE: Why Angel Reese leads WNBA Rookie of the Year race

It's not just rookie records Reese is breaking. She sits among the best in the league. She's currently fourth in rebounds, averaging 10.2 per game, and is fifth with 1.8 steals per game. She averages 12.2 points, second among first-year players.

Reese wasn't the only Chicago first-year to show out. Kamilla Cardoso earned her first double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The duo is the fifth pair of rookie teammates, first in 22 years, to each record 10-plus points and 10-plus rebounds in the same game.

Even in the midst of a slump, the future is bright in the Windy City.

Emily Dozier

Emily Dozier Photo

Emily Dozier is a live events and lifestyle writer at The Sporting News, covering everything from sporting events and music festivals to broadway shows and stand-up comedy. Based out of New York, she graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. When not covering the SN tickets beat, Emily enjoys playing volleyball and cooking. Prior to joining The Sporting News in 2023, Emily covered the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup for the Associated Press.