Caitlin Clark says no ‘malicious’ intent behind flagrant foul on Angel Reese: ‘Not the type of player I am’

If one thing is clear, it’s that Caitlin Clark does not like the drama around her and fellow WNBA star Angel Reese.

When Clark was asked about the flagrant foul she committed against Reese during the Fever’s 93-58 blowout win over the Sky in Saturday’s season-opener, the 23-year-old insisted that it was a smart play.

“Let’s not make it something that it’s not,” Clark said after posting the third triple-double of her career. “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 said it was simply a “basketball play” when asked about it after the game.

Clark committed the foul during the third quarter, shoving Reese to the floor under the basket to prevent her from taking a shot.

After review, Clark was hit with a flagrant 1, with both her and Reese being issued technicals as the two had to be separated by players from each team.

Clark finished the game with a 20-points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists as the Fever won in a blowout. Reese had a strong night, too, scoring 12 points to go along with 17 rebounds.

Clark’s performance even grabbed the attention of LeBron James.

“TRIPLE DUB CC!! Great way to kick off the season!” James posted on X.

Earlier this week, Clark opened up to ESPN about how she feels more adjusted to the WNBA in her second season compared to last year’s opener when she was a rookie coming off a long season at the University of Iowa.

“Honestly, I don’t even really remember last year’s [opener],” Clark told ESPN this week. “Maybe that’s a good thing. I think [this year] it’s just going out there and having fun and being confident. I’ve been in this league for a year now. I know I belong. I know I can perform, and I can make my teammates better every single night. And that’s my job.

“Not everything’s going to be perfect. Give yourself grace. There’s going to be really good moments. There’s going to be moments where you struggle. So just trying to stay as neutral as I can and stay positive. But … I’ve been in these moments before, and I’m ready for them.”

The Fever next play the Dream on Tuesday night.