Phoenix, AZ – The WNBA world is reeling after a shocking incident between Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese and Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark led to an on-court altercation that ended in a one-game suspension for Reese — and now league legend Diana Taurasi is speaking out.
The heated moment occurred in the third quarter of Sunday’s high-stakes matchup between the Sky and the Fever. After a hard screen set by Clark, Reese appeared to retaliate by shoving the rookie to the floor during a dead ball, triggering chaos on the court.
Officials quickly stepped in to de-escalate, but the damage was done. Reese was ejected after being assessed a flagrant 2 foul, while Clark remained in the game, visibly shaken but uninjured.
The WNBA issued a statement Monday morning confirming Reese’s suspension for “unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary physical contact.”
Now, all eyes are on how players, fans, and league figures respond — and Diana Taurasi has broken her silence.
Speaking on a Phoenix Mercury media call, Taurasi addressed the incident directly.
“Listen, emotions run high,” she said. “But there’s a line — and what we saw crossed that line.”
Taurasi, widely regarded as one of the toughest and most respected veterans in the league, didn’t mince words.
“You don’t have to like your opponent. But you do have to respect the game,” she continued. “I’ve been hit. I’ve hit people. But when it gets personal — when it becomes about headlines instead of hoops — that’s when it gets dangerous.”
The comment quickly went viral, with fans applauding Taurasi’s honest take. Some even called her the “voice of reason” in what has become an increasingly hostile rookie season.
Angel Reese has not publicly apologized for the incident. Instead, she posted a cryptic tweet hours after the game: “Y’all love to hate me. Keep watching.” The post sparked further controversy and debate online.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark has chosen not to comment directly on the incident. After the game, she told reporters, “I’m just here to play basketball. I’m focused on helping my team win.”
Fans have been fiercely divided. Some defend Reese’s intensity as part of her competitive edge, while others say the aggression has gone too far. The rivalry between the two players, which began in college, has now officially boiled over into the pros.
“This isn’t a rivalry anymore,” said ESPN’s Monica McNutt. “This is now personal — and that’s not necessarily good for the league.”
Still, Diana Taurasi believes there’s a chance for growth. “Angel’s young. She’s passionate. We’ve all made mistakes. But this is a moment where she can choose what kind of player — and leader — she wants to be.”
The incident has also reignited conversations about the pressure on rookies, especially those like Reese and Clark who carry massive followings and media expectations.
“This league is physical. It’s fast. It’s unforgiving,” Taurasi said. “But it’s also about maturity. And you either grow up fast — or you get left behind.”
The WNBA has confirmed that Angel Reese will serve her suspension during the Sky’s next game and will be eligible to return afterward. The Fever and the Sky are scheduled to meet again next month — a rematch that fans are already calling “must-watch TV.”
In the meantime, both players are under the microscope. And with Diana Taurasi’s voice joining the conversation, it’s clear the league is paying close attention.
“The spotlight is bright,” Taurasi said. “But how you act under it? That’s what people remember.”