In a world where "dribbling" isn't just something you do while half-asleep in the morning, the WNBA brought us another thrilling episode of Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese. The Indiana Fever clinched a victory over the Chicago Sky, 91-83, but it wasn't the score that had everyone talking [^1][^2]. The rivalry between Clark and Reese that began in their college days at Iowa and LSU added a subplot juicier than a mid-game Gatorade [^3][^4].

As if seeing these two clash wasn’t anticipation enough, Angel Reese decided to add a new move to her playbook: the "head tap." During the game, Reese's swinging arm caught Caitlin Clark's head in what some might call a "flagrant foul" and what Reese calls a "basketball play" [^1][^2][^3]. The officials, unfortunately, sided with the purists, deeming Reese's contact "unnecessary" and awarding her a flagrant foul 1 [^3][^4][^5].

Clark, unshaken and preferably without a concussion, went on to score a game-high 23 points, snag eight rebounds, and dish out nine assists. No big deal, just another day at the office [^1][^2][^3]. Meanwhile, Angel Reese logged a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds, which might have been more impressive if not overshadowed by her audition for Mortal Kombat [^2][^3][^4].

Despite the mid-air collision and subsequent flagrant, both players took it in stride. Reese insisted the contact was merely part of the game [^3][^4]. Clark's main concern was making the free throws, proving once again that she's more focused than a cat watching a laser pointer [^3][^4].

The fallout from this latest installment in their rivalry didn't end on the court. Christie Sides, head coach of the Fever, believed the officials made the right call, preferring her games to stick to jump shots over jabs [^3][^4]. Reese had previously been fined for ducking the postgame media after a controversial encounter with the Fever, making her the WNBA’s most elusive talk show guest [^2].

Clark didn't waste time praising Reese's fire and their ability to draw more viewers to the women's game. Nothing sells tickets like the promise of top-tier athleticism sprinkled with a dash of body-checking [^3][^4]. Clark also noted the stepping-up physicality in her rookie WNBA season, suggesting she might consider investing in a helmet [^2].

Ultimately, this rivalry is doing wonders for the WNBA, increasing attention and viewership. In every epic battle, the fans win, and let's face it, referee whistles never sounded so necessary [^3][^4].

So, whether it's edge-of-your-seat plays or mildly alarming fouls, the Clark-Reese rivalry isn't just raising heart rates; it’s elevating women’s sports to new heights. Continue to buckle up and maybe, just maybe, wear a helmet next time you tune in.

[^1]: CNN. (2024-06-16). WNBA Clash: Angel Reese Hits Caitlin Clark's Head in Heated Game.