Dan Patrick, Stephen A. Smith differ on Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese foul, rivalry

WNBA fans got another look at the Clark-Reese rivalry on Sunday, which ended with the Indiana Fever topping the Chicago Sky 91-83. The tilt was punctuated by Reese swatting Clark in the head and receiving a flagrant foul, for which the former LSU star later commented: "I guess some people get a special whistle."

Patrick — who has had plenty to say about Clark in her WNBA debut — turned his attention to Reese on Monday, who he believes is playing the victim.

"There's nothing exciting about her game, she's just a really good solid player," he said. "She just plays hard, and I commend her for that. But Caitlin got all the exposure [and] she's getting endorsements because she's unique. It's like how Steph Curry's unique, Tiger Woods is unique."

Smith had a different view of Reese's reaction, saying the officials were looking to punish her. However, he did circle back to say it was right to upgrade the foul to a Flagrant 1.

"What they called against her in terms of upgrading it to a Flagrant 1 is exactly what they would've done in the NBA as well," Smith said on ESPN's "First Take." "She can be upset about it, but it's a hit to the head and that's what they're doing in this day and age. The call is correct."

He added: "I also think to some degree they're looking for something from Angel Reese because if you recall when Chennedy Carter bumped or shoved Caitlin Clark to the floor, what was that, June 1 if I remember correctly, you got footage of Angel Reese getting up and clapping and stuff."

Regardless of whose side fans are on, they have more opportunities to watch these players square off on the court this season. The Sky will host the final two matchups of the season between these teams, on June 23 and on Aug. 30. 

The Fever have won each of the previous two games in the season series.