The highly anticipated matchup between Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever and Angel Reese's Chicago Sky on May 17, 2025, lived up to its billing, though the Fever dominated with a 93-58 victory. However, the game was punctuated by a flagrant foul committed by Clark on Reese in the third quarter, sparking heated reactions and reigniting their NCAA rivalry. Despite the intensity, both players downplayed any animosity.

Clark fouled Reese when the latter had a clear path to the basket, preventing an easy score. Reese immediately confronted Clark, but both players later addressed the incident with measured responses. Clark described it as a "good take foul," a strategic move to prevent an easy basket, while Reese simply stated, "Basketball play. Refs got it right. Move on."

The foul and its aftermath drew strong reactions. Robert Griffin III asserted that Reese "hates" Clark, dismissing any suggestion of a simple basketball rivalry. Ariel Atkins of the Chicago Sky, however, criticized the media's overreaction, calling the narrative "weird and dangerous" and emphasizing that hard fouls are a normal part of the game. Atkins also defended Clark, who received a foul for the same, while Aliyah Boston was also issued a technical foul for defending her.

Adding to the drama, Aliyah Boston, Clark's teammate, expressed surprise upon learning during the post-game press conference that she had received a technical foul and a $200 fine, which Clark offered to pay. Clark, despite the foul call, delivered a stellar performance with a triple-double: 20 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds. Reese led the Sky with 12 points and 17 rebounds.

Before the season began, LeBron James offered Clark encouragement via Instagram, urging her to "DO YOU per usual this season!!!" This message reportedly sparked criticism from some Angel Reese fans who felt James was unfairly favoring Clark. Meanwhile, Clark has been focused on rigorous training during the offseason with athletic performance coach Sarah Kessler, hitting the weight room more than four times a week.

The Chicago Sky had mixed results in their preseason, winning one game against the Minnesota Lynx (74-69) and losing the next (92-87). After the loss to the Fever, they will face the New York Liberty. Reese, meanwhile, won the inaugural season of the Unrivaled League with the Rose basketball club during the offseason.