Another chapter in the Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark rivalry was written on Sunday when the Atlanta Dream hosted the Indiana Fever.
The high-profile clash between the two teams became rather controversial, with fans up in arms after what they viewed as a dirty play by the Dream star against her rival.
Fans Criticize Angel Reese, WNBA After Controversial No-Call
Sunday’s matchup between the Fever and the Dream was a tight affair from start to finish. With both teams neck-and-neck in the standings, a win would have a critical impact. With that knowledge, players on both teams were hustling to secure a victory for their sides.
However, the effort and physicality they displayed became controversial. At the midpoint of the first quarter, Reese and Clark found themselves battling for a rebound off a Rhyne Howard miss.
In an effort to keep Clark away from the ball, Reese was seen shoving the Fever star by the neck. Several fans noticed the play immediately and took to social media to voice their displeasure.
Angel Reese grabs and shoves Caitlin Clark by the neck 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ZE6tgncEKW
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) August 16, 2026
One fan wasn’t surprised by what they saw. According to them, this is something Reese does regularly.
“It’s every game she’s smacking someone,” the user wrote.
It’s every game she’s smacking someone https://t.co/LuIxqCu87g
— Fire Stephanie OnDat White (@DaTruthTeller_) August 16, 2026
“Angel playing dirty already under the basket,” another fan said, calling Reese out for what they felt was a non-basketball play.
Angel playing dirty already under the basket.
— Comrade Misty is Putin’s Buddy (@SarcasmStardust) August 16, 2026
One person who was completely displeased with Reese’s actions did not mince words. They weren’t just calling out the Dream star; they insulted her by saying, “@Reese10Angel is Trash.”
@Reese10Angel is Trash. https://t.co/tPBQGGwesn
— XPost (@CBoutell) August 16, 2026
Several, including Clark herself, felt there was illegal contact by Reese. In fact, she tried to protest to the referees, imploring them to review the play. However, they would not be swayed, and Reese got away with it without a second look from the officials.
This fact frustrated fans, who went on to call out the league as a whole.
“The worst run league in all of American sports. Pure incompetence from top to bottom,” podcaster Orlando Alzugaray Jr. said.
The worst run league in all of American sports. Pure incompetence from top to bottom. https://t.co/DJwY02hBeJ
— Orlando Alzugaray Jr (@BigOShow) August 16, 2026
“That’s a flagrant foul on Caitlin Clark. The fact that it wasn’t called by the official is more maddening than the foul itself,” another person said.
The game remained close throughout, and four quarters weren’t sufficient to decide the outcome. With the score knotted at 81-81, the Dream had a couple of chances to win.
Howard missed a 3-pointer, which was rebounded by Reese. However, she also missed the lay-up attempt, sending the game into overtime.
In the extra period, the Fever outscored the Dream 14-10. Clark sank two free throws to ice the contest at 95-91, before grabbing the defensive board on the other end to seal the win.
Clark finished the game with a team-high 26 points and 9 dimes. Meanwhile, Reese finished with a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double.
The Fever have now won four straight games and sit at 23-12. On the flip side, the Dream’s two-game win streak was snapped, and they are now 21-13, sitting just behind the Fever in the standings.
This league should be shut down. It is a joke.