2002: Approximately 1000 miles and four months apart, two future superstars came into being. The little girls grew up unbeknownst to each other, but traveled an eerily similar (yet, different) path to reach exactly the same place. One grew up in a modest $650,000 home with the privilege to play soccer, softball, volleyball, tennis, and golf—later handpicking basketball as she wanted to meet Maya Moore and play in the WNBA. The other grew up with a single mother, studied at a school opposite a prison, and saw basketball as a means toward financial upliftment and a scholarship. Yet, one thing theme ran common: The rivalry of rivalries.

Ever since Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese burst into the scene for the Amateur Athletic Union circuit, Reese had mostly had the upper hand. Through high school, Chi Barbie was considered the number two player in the class by ESPN, while Clark held at number four. Reese’s exploits over her rival also ran amok when she led her team to the Nike EYBL championship win in 2019 over Clark’s All Iowa Attack in the final. Within the next four years, Reese managed to defeat Clark’s team three more times. In 2023, the Randallstown-native then led LSU to its first national title—birthing a “you can’t see me” controversy that still hasn’t died down.

And yet, Reese has always maintained, “Me and Caitlin Clark don’t hate each other. I want everybody to understand that,” and explained how the rivalry is strictly on the court. But sometimes, the lines between on-court and off-court can blur just enough in the heat of the moment like it did on May 17. Facing each other at the season opener, a massive controversy unfolded with 4:38 left in the third quarter. As Rebecca Allen’s three-point attempt rimmed out, Angel Reese was quick to snatch the rebound. But in doing so, she inadvertently nudged Natasha Howard away from her peripheral view. But just as she looked to go back up, her so-called rival Caitlin Clark came charging in, and what happened next stunned the crowd.

In a split-second, and an almost intuitive defensive mode, Clark appeared to slap Reese’s arm and knock her to the floor. Clark simply turned and walked away as the Chicago star went down hard, and as her teammates rushed to her side. Immediately, the Sky star got up and confronted Clark before Aaliyah Boston stepped in between. While a visibly upset Reese seemed to communicate something in the moment, Clark did not stop; she kept walking down the court, unfazed.

And while the nonchalant walk-off was the only move Clark could practice in the heated moment, the ESPN broadcasters were not amused. After a close review of the entire situation, the broadcasters demanded a strict punishment for the Fever star. One of the broadcasters said, “There is a little bit extra there from Caitlin Clark, in terms of the foul.” Agreeing with the statement, another broadcaster is quick to point out, “It’s definitely a hard foul. It’s not a foul that’s putting somebody in a position to get injured, but yes, I think it should be upgraded to a flagrant on Caitlin Clark, because of that left arm as it wraps around and pushes.”

While the incident looks like a light push, closer inspection reveals that Clark had wrapped her hand around Reese’s before immediately loosening her grip and shoving her down. And in the midst of the chaos, comes an announcement that neither HC Stephanie White nor the Indiana Fever could do anything about.

“After review, the on-court believes a personal foul on Caitlin Clark has been upgraded to a flagrant foul, penalty one,” one of the referees announced. And as the common foul turned into a flagrant, the electrifying crowd did not hold back either. They rejoiced at the news, while a distraught Clark looked on. “In addition, there is a double technical on Boston and Reese, which off-sets,” the referee added before walking away. Needless to say, the WNBA officials timely handled the situation in a professional manner. And though they could have entirely avoided the whole scenario, the foul makes up for the lost case.

However, the Fever star still dismissed the incident later, saying, “Let’s not make it something that it’s not. It was just a good play on the basketball. I’m not sure what the ref saw to upgrade it, and that’s up to their discretion. It’s a take foul to put them at the free-throw line. I’ve watched a lot of basketball in my life, that’s exactly what it was. I wasn’t trying to do anything malicious. That’s not the type of player I am.”

Reese, on the other hand, also said later: “A basketball play.”

Caitlin Clark can be crowned the 2025 MVP

Clark’s rookie season was nothing short of a game-changer. She averaged a total of 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game while setting a WNBA record as the first rookie to record a triple-double in 2024. This massive impact on the roster helped the Fever finish 20-20, ending a playoff drought since 2016.

Through her unfathomable contributions on the hardwood, Clark carved her name on the MVP list alongside W veterans. Only to be sidelined at number four. However, this year is different. As different betting websites heavily voted on Clark deserving the MVP crown, she has already wow-ed us with her spectacular performances in the preseason and the regular opener.

According to MVP betting odds published by BetMGM, the Fever sensation is leading the votes with +195 odds. Yes, Caitlin is the topmost contender in the running for the MVP title, as per the website. Having said that, DraftKings website also predicted Clark as an MVP. With approximately 23% bets in her favour, the majority of voters aim for Clark to win the title. And why not!?

With an impressive 36-foot three-pointer from beyond the arc in the preseason, and 16-point contribution against Brazil, Clark was a spectacle during the 2025 preseason. Not to forget a sweet sweep of 13 points against the Atlanta Dream. And starting the season with such an impactful beginning, fans and analysts can see how Clark is clearly progressing towards the MVP crown this year.