Caitlin Clark does not consider the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever to be rivals but her teammate, NaLyssa Smith, might see things differently after battling with Angel Reese on Sunday. She ultimately decided to call out WNBA officials after losing by just one point.
It got feisty!
Smith, the No. 2 overall pick in 2022, played for Kim Mulkey at Baylor. Reese, the No. 7 overall pick in 2024, played for Mulkey at LSU. They are products of the same system— which is known to be spunky.
As a result, Smith and Reese were jawing at each other all afternoon. An official even tried to step in and break it up.
NaLyssa Smith and Angel Reese weren’t having it!
The athletes completely waved off the official in the spirit of (not-so) friendly competition.
Reese and Smith’s jibber jabber was relentless through all four quarters.
10 More years of Angel Reese vs NaLyssa Smith I'm ready for it. pic.twitter.com/lqXvFMoNyx
— I Sleep Very Well (@VideoGame2345) June 23, 2024
It started early and it never stopped!
Angel Reese scores on NaLyssa Smith and talks a bit. pic.twitter.com/kDXCzn7LUN
— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) June 23, 2024
Reese told Smith that she can’t “f— with her” (twice) after a tough bucket late in the first half.
"You can't fucked with me" X2
— I Sleep Very Well (@VideoGame2345) June 23, 2024
– Angel Reese
Why is Angel bullying Smith for😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/3OCNRuI0fB
Smith hit Reese with a “too small” in the fourth quarter. The latter got the former right back with an And-1 on the other end of the floor.
NaLyssa Smith hits Angel Reese with the "too small" and then the next play Angel gets an and-1 on her 😂 pic.twitter.com/sRHZjs8vFa
— WNBA Rookie Watch (@WNBARookieWatch) June 23, 2024
Reese said after the game that there are no hard feelings between them. They’ve been playing against each other for a long time. She didn’t even see Smith’s gesture. Her teammates had to clue her in.
I didn’t even know she did that. That’s crazy!
— Angel Reese
Although Reese got the best of Smith on the very next play, Smith did not like the foul call. She turned to the nearby referee with a look of bewilderment. There was a slight bump but it wasn’t egregious.
i swear some of these calls were so questionable but okay 😭 pic.twitter.com/Nm1m8TjpaY
— vi ✰ (@ccloveoml) June 23, 2024
Chicago Sky fans have been frustrated with WNBA officials all season. They believe that Reese and Kamilla Cardoso are often charged with fouls they did not commit while other teams do not get a whistle for similar plays.
Smith made it clear that she felt slighted by the referees in Sunday’s game against the Sky with a very targeted repost on X.
NaLyssa Smith finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and one assist in 28 minutes. She also picked up five personal fouls. Angel Reese finished with 25 points and 16 rebounds while extending her historic rookie streak in a one-point win.