The Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever are not rivals in Caitlin Clark’s eyes, but after Sunday’s battle with Angel Reese, Smith, her teammate, might have a different opinion. Ultimately, after losing by just one point, she made the decision to confront WNBA authorities.
It became fierce!
Smith, who was selected second overall in 2022, was a Baylor player under Kim Mulkey. At LSU, Reese was a player for Mulkey and was selected seventh overall in 2024. They come from the same system, which is infamous for being erratic.
That’s why Smith and Reese spent the entire afternoon yapping at each other. Even trying to intervene and break things apart was an official.
Angel Reese and NaLyssa Smith would have none of it!
With all due respect for the (not so) amicable spirit of competition, the athletes entirely ignored the official.
Reese gave Smith a hard bucket late in the first half, telling her twice that she can’t “f— with her.”
Reese was struck by a “too small” by Smith during the fourth quarter. With an And-1 at the other end of the court, the latter immediately responded to the former.
After the game, Reese stated that they are not at odds with one another. They have a lengthy history of competing against one another. She failed to see Smith’s gesture at all. Her comrades needed to inform her.
I had no idea she did that. That is absurd!
— Angel Reese
Smith was not happy with the foul call, even though Reese beat him the very next play. She seemed confused as she turned to face the adjacent referee. A tiny bulge existed, but it wasn’t really noticeable.
The entire season, Chicago Sky supporters have been displeased with WNBA officials. They contend that whereas other teams do not receive a whistle for comparable plays, Reese and Kamilla Cardoso are frequently called for fouls they did not commit.
Smith used a very pointed retweet on X to express how she believed the officials in Sunday’s match against the Sky had betrayed her.
Smith NaLyssa WNBA Foul Angel Reese @NALYSSASMITH / X
In 28 minutes, NaLyssa Smith finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist. In addition, she received five personal fouls. In a one-point victory, Angel Reese extended her incredible rookie streak with a final line of 25 points and 16 rebounds.