The WNBA world is on fire after the Indiana Fever obliterated the Chicago Sky 93-58 in a season-opening clash on May 17, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with Caitlin Clark delivering a jaw-dropping performance that left Angel Reese and the Sky reeling. Clark, the Fever’s superstar guard, notched her third career triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, while adding four blocks and two steals, cementing her dominance over her long-time rival. The game, which drew a record-breaking 2.7 million viewers—the most for a WNBA regular-season game in 25 years—has sparked a frenzy on social media, with fans and critics alike buzzing over Clark’s bold statement: “She can’t handle me!” allegedly overheard during a heated moment on the court.
The Fever, revamped with new additions like Natasha Howard (15 points) and DeWanna Bonner—who moved to third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list with 7,489 points—showcased a defensive masterclass, holding the Sky to a dismal 29.1% shooting from the field. Aliyah Boston was a force, contributing 19 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks, while Kelsey Mitchell added 15 points to the rout. Chicago, on the other hand, looked lost, with Reese managing a double-double of 12 points and 17 rebounds but unable to ignite her team’s offense. The Sky’s struggles were evident as only two players, Reese and Ariel Atkins, reached double figures, and their paint scoring was dwarfed 48-26 by Indiana’s relentless attack.
The game’s most controversial moment came in the third quarter when Clark was called for a flagrant-1 foul after a hard take on Reese, who had grabbed an offensive rebound and appeared set to score. Clark slapped at the ball, but her follow-through sent Reese crashing to the floor, sparking a heated exchange. Reese, visibly furious, tried to confront Clark but was held back by Boston and the referees, with both players receiving technical fouls. Clark downplayed the incident post-game, saying, “It’s just a good take foul… I wasn’t trying to do anything malicious,” while Reese, tight-lipped, simply called it a “basketball play” and moved on. But the moment has fueled the narrative of their fiery rivalry, which dates back to their college days at Iowa and LSU, particularly the 2023 national championship where Reese taunted Clark with a “you can’t see me” gesture.
Fans on social media are eating it up, with some claiming Clark’s foul was a deliberate message to Reese, asserting her dominance in a rivalry that’s captivated the nation. Others argue it was an overblown call by the refs, pointing to Clark’s clean intent to go for the ball. The WNBA is also investigating allegations of “hateful fan comments” directed at Reese during the game, with Fever players like Clark voicing support for the probe, stating, “There’s no place for that in our game.” The league’s response has only added fuel to the controversy, raising questions about the charged atmosphere surrounding these matchups.
Critics of the Sky are piling on, with some calling them one of the league’s weakest teams, especially after Reese took the most shots despite their offensive struggles. Meanwhile, Fever fans are celebrating the team’s defensive leap under new coach Stephanie White, who secured her first win back with the franchise. The 35-point margin ties the second-largest in Fever history, signaling a potential powerhouse in the making. But whispers of tension linger—some speculate Clark’s newfound confidence, described as “positive arrogance,” might be rubbing opponents the wrong way, while others question if Reese can step up as a true leader for Chicago.
As the dust settles, the Fever-Sky rivalry is hotter than ever, with three more matchups scheduled for 2025. Will Reese bounce back, or has Clark firmly put her in her place? The nation is watching, and the drama is far from over.
