If pulling a classic John Cena, “you can’t see me,” move after a regular college matchup could lead to an endless rivalry, then congratulations! Spectators, fans, and reporters have been witness to one of the greatest basketball rivalries to ever exist in the history of the sport. While the former Rookie of the Year and the Chi-Barbie have denied these allegations time and again, how do you prove what the audience just witnessed at the WNBA weekend?

Just when we thought that the 2025 rivalry will revolve around the so-called rivals, Indiana Fever’s player Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese have taken a step forward and already confirmed every rumour on the block. And if you too were watching the intense match, you would know exactly what I’m talking about.

Tensions erupted between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese during the third quarter of the match. 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 pull Reese’s arm and shove her out of bounds. Well, everything happened so fast that the teammates on both ends barely had any time to react. Clark simply turned and walked away as the Chicago star went down hard, and as her teammates rushed to her side. Meanwhile, Aliyah Boston stepped between the players to prevent any further mishap. 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.” The reporter felt that it was unnecessary of Clark to go the extra mile of pushing an opponent. And for what? A foul, at best?

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 turns into a flagrant, the electrifying crowd does not hold back either. They rejoice at the news, while a distraught Clark looks on. “In addition, there is a double technical on Boston and Reese, which off-sets,” the referee adds 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.

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.