The highly anticipated WNBA clash between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese did not disappoint, filled with drama and intensity. In a gripping match, Clark’s Indiana Fever triumphed over Reese’s Chicago Sky for the second consecutive time. However, the spotlight quickly shifted to a controversial flagrant foul committed by Reese on Clark during the third quarter, which has since become the game’s most talked-about moment.
Social media erupted with Clark’s supporters condemning Reese and her teammates for what they deemed excessive and targeted physicality. Yet, basketball insiders and professionals have rallied behind Reese, viewing the flagrant foul as an unfortunate part of the game. Notably, an NBA star and former LeBron James teammate has stepped into the fray to offer his support.
Kyle Kuzma Backs Reese’s “Unfortunate Basketball Play”
Washington Wizards’ forward Kyle Kuzma emerged as a vocal defender of Reese, taking on critics head-on, including Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. Portnoy, who boasts a following of three million on X (formerly Twitter), accused Reese of typical rough play by fouling Clark hard. Kuzma, however, refuted this accusation directly in his reply to Portnoy’s post.
Fans and analysts alike have defended Reese, especially after the Sky’s 91-83 defeat to the Fever. Slow-motion replays revealed that Reese was indeed aiming for the ball as Clark drove towards the basket but misjudged, resulting in a hit to Clark’s head. This mistake led to Clark receiving two free throws.
Kuzma’s intervention on X may not settle the debate surrounding this incident, despite both Clark and Reese calling it a basketball play and expressing a desire to move past it. Nevertheless, this incident underscores the WNBA’s growing prominence in the sports world over the past year.