Referees assessed flagrant 1 after video review

The on-court rivalry between star rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark continues to heat up.

The Indiana Fever hosted the Chicago Sky on Sunday, marking the second time the teams have faced off this season.

But the game’s intensity seemingly shifted late in the third quarter. In what began as a routine drive to the basket, ended with Clark falling to the hardwood. The Fever guard was struck in the head by Reese during a layup attempt.

Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky reacts after fouling Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Referees reviewed the play and assessed Reese with a flagrant 1.

Reese’s foul came on the heels of a controversial hard foul in the first matchup of the season between the Sky and the Fever.

Caitlin Clark (22) of the Indiana Fever celebrates a basket during the first half against the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024, in Indianapolis.

Sky guard Chennedy Carter made a basket late in the third quarter. She then shifted to defense and began guarding Clark, who was attempting to get open to receive an inbound pass. Reese faced some criticism for appearing to celebrate after Carter committed the foul.

While referees determined Carter committed a common foul, the WNBA later upgraded it to a flagrant 1 violation after a review. Reese was also fined for not fulfilling her postgame media obligations.

The level of physicality Clark has faced during the first handful of games of her rookie WNBA season has been a hot topic.

Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket against Marina Mabrey of the Chicago Sky during the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

“I think everybody is physical with me, they get away with things that probably other people don’t get away with,” Clark said on May 28 after the Fever lost to the Los Angeles Sparks.

The Fever ultimately defeated the Sky on Sunday afternoon. Indiana’s 91-83 victory marked the second time this season that the Fever knocked off the Sky.

Clark finished the game with 23 points and 9 assists. Meanwhile, Reese had a double-double, ending the day with 11 points and 13 rebounds.