DEERFIELD, Illinois — On June 16th, the Chicago Sky faced one of the most heated matches of the 2024 WNBA season. Chicago suffered their fourth consecutive loss, falling 91-83 against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. Of course, Angel Reese and Clark were the focus of attention because of their antagonism. After Chicago’s practice on Wednesday, sixth-year guard Marina Mabrey dropped a bombshell on the mounting fan outrage over the two stars’ feuds.
Marina Mabrey’s divided opinion on the Reese-Clark rivalry.
Mabrey noticed more tension between Fever and Sky fans following the introduction of Reese and Clark, but she sees the increased interaction as a positive.
“[We] adore all of the fans. And if they want to start a new rivalry because it will bring more money and more attention, that’s OK,” Mabrey said.
Furthermore, when asked about the various fan reactions to the rivalry, Mabrey had a mixed response.
“There are many people stating stuff. Sometimes I find myself saying ‘what’? Sometimes I say, ‘That’s a neat perspective.’ Something I may have overlooked or failed to consider. Other than that, [the fans] are simply having fun.
The criticisms of Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are limitless. Despite the amount of abuse directed at the two stars, fans love and welcome them just as much. For example, when Reese discussed the players she styles her game after, followers on X praised her explanation.
“I love that she’s still a student of the game,” one X user commented.
“Great young ambassador for the league,” another stated.
Others, however, continued to be critical. One fan thought it was dishonest for Reese to discuss players with diverse skill sets while she only “gets layups and rebounds.”
Marina Mabrey emphasised the necessity of Chicago’s core team circle remaining supportive throughout.
The Sky can gain from the Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark rivalry.
Chicago Sky Angel Reese Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark
Erin Achenbach, Lead Women’s Sports Editor at ClutchPoints, discussed the positive impact of the Reese-Clark rivalry on the WNBA. She cited the high viewership of the Sky-Fever matchup on June 16th as a significant advantage.
“[Reese and Clark’s] transition from college rivals to WNBA competitors has been smooth and beneficial to the league.” “The recent June 16 game between the Fever and the Sky set a viewership record, drawing 2.25 million viewers, the most for any WNBA game in 23 years,” Achenbach said.
In addition to the record-setting game, the Fever’s first match with the Sky on June 1st drew a lot of attention. The game drew an average of 1.53 million viewers on ESPN and peaked at 2.19 million.
Achenbach went on to say that the strong intensity and personal stakes in these confrontations make them must-see events. Admittedly, drama contributes to the greater attention. The June 16th encounter was highlighted by a flagrant foul when Reese punched Clark in the head while attempting to block a shot.
Reese justified her actions, describing the manoeuvre as a “basketball play,” and expressed dissatisfaction with the referee. Clark stated that she believed Reese was only trying for the ball and did not take it personally.
The two WNBA stars from the Class of 2024 have little to no ill will towards one another. They want to play to the best of their ability and help their team win, and fans will continue to watch as their careers progress.
