Angel Reese had to be held back by a referee after clashing with Caitlin Clark.

The Chicago Sky superstar was driving for the basket when she was shoved to the ground by bitter rival.

Clark and Reese renewed their rivalry in the season-openerCredit: Getty

Caitlin laid a hit worthy of an NFL linebacker on her rivalCredit: Getty

Aliyah Boston stopped Reese from getting to clarkCredit: Getty
Indiana Fever sensation Clark drew a flagrant foul and Reese was left fuming after hitting the hardwood.

She leapt to her feet and went for her college foe, who was protected by her teammates as she turned away innocently.

The act didn’t work as she received a flagrant, while both Reese and Clark’s teammate Aliyah Boston received offsetting technical fouls for their parts in the melee.

A visibly stunned Boston only found out she picked up a technical on post-match media duties alongside Clark, who offered to pay the fine as thanks for ‘having her back.’

At the time of the play, the Fever were up 56-42 on home court midway through the third quarter and went on to set a franchise record opening-day victory with a 93-58 demolition.

During a stoppage in play, Clark defended herself.

“It’s just a good take foul. Either Angel gets wide open two points or we send them to the free throw line,” she explained to ESPN’s Holly Rowe. “Nothing malicious about it. It’s just a good take foul, every basketball player knows that.”

The decision was one that sparked debate among fans and analysts with both names the talk of X and Clark’s fans suggesting she aimed a subtle dig at Reese with her ‘every basketball player knows that’ angle.

Allegations of racist comments aimed at Reese were made on social media and the WNBA confirmed Sunday that it was investigating.

“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms – they have no place in our league or in society. We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter,” the league said in its statement before the Fever confirmed that they were assisting enquiries.

Caitlin Clark received a flagrant foul on this play.

Aliyah Boston and Angel Reese received offsetting technical fouls.

Clark and Reese were in a constant battle Credit: Getty
Fans packing into the arena hoping for fireworks were treated early as Reese made a lay-up before Clark shot her first three of the season from the logo in reply, letting rip from 28 feet on a fastbreak.

There was so much hype for this contest that fans were seen lining up outside the official merchandise store six hours before tip-off.

Several Indiana Pacers were in the building to support their W counterparts.

“She’s just so amazing at what she does. I love being here to support her,” said Tyrese Haliburton of Clark.

Even all-time NBA great LeBron James got in on the act.

He shared photos of him and the Rookie of the Year on Instagram with the caption ‘Good luck and DO YOU per usual this season!!!’

Clark was draining long-range 3s, dishing out assists and getting physical in an all-round display Credit: Getty

Aliyah Boston: "I got the tech?

Clark explains her flagrant foul on Angel Reese in the third quarter of the Fever

Putting hands on Reese may not have been what LeBron meant but he would be proud of Clark’s fierce desire.

And he popped up again to celebrate as the Fever talisman dropped a triple-double with 20 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds to begin her 2025 season.

“TRIPLE DUB CC!! Great way to kick off the season,” Kind James posted on X.

Clark’s achievement netted Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who turned up to the game in a full Fever uniform, a staggering $350,000 prize after he bet $25,000 on her recording the triple.

Once upon a time, the feuding stars — who are doing wonders for WNBA ratings — were friendly foes.

Reese even went out of her way to praise Clark before they both went pro.

Caitlin Clark leaves her Indiana Fever teammates laughing with mini team talk during interval

“Oh my gosh, I love Caitlin. We’ve been competing since we were in AAU,” Reese said in 2023. “It was always fun and it was always competitive.

“One day, hopefully, me and her could even be teammates. Because she is a great player, and a great shooter and a great person and great teammate.”

The relationship soured in a fierce NCAA women’s national championship matchup later that year,

When Reese boldly taunted Clark in LSU’s 102-85 win, fans were immediately divided between the future No.1 pick and Tigers superstar.

Clark and Iowa got on-court revenge in the 2024 Elite 8, as Clark dropped in 41 points while Reese produced a double-double of 17 points and 20 rebounds before both turned pro at the same time.

In their first meeting, Clark received a hard shoulder shot from Chicago’s Chennedy Carter, who Reese later defended.

Reese insists that much of their rivalry is talked up by media and fans, although she may want to reconsider after Saturday’s events.

The world normally needs a “positive” character and a “negative” one in a story, Reese said at LSU.

Depending on who you root for, Clark and Reese fill different public roles in 2025 as the WNBA returns.

“Understanding that the world is going to have a good girl and a bad girl,” Reese said. “Just understanding that that’s just what it is and it’s just going to be what it is.

“I’ll take that I’m going to be the bad guy. But I know I’ve grown women’s basketball and I know I’m being positive and I know that I’ve inspired people.

“Me and Caitlin, we we’ve been cool. We’ve never had any issues.”

It seems different now, though, with former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III writing: “After watching Caitlin Clark’s flagrant foul on Angel Reese and the aftermath, there is no way Angel Reese can continue the lie that she doesn’t dislike Caitlin Clark.

“I know what hatred looks like. Angel Reese HATES Caitlin Clark. Not some basketball rivalry hate either. Hate.”

That’s just one opinion, however, and Reese did not allow herself to be drawn into any feud postgame.

Asked about the altercation during her postgame press conference, she simply said: “Basketball play. Refs got it right. Move on.”

The season is well and truly up and running.