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May 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) drives around Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

'I Believe Her': Angel Reese Story On Racism Investigation Gets Caitlin Clark’s Teammate’s Fiance’s Point Of View

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated May 29, 2025 1:47 PM ET

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese was reportedly the target of racist and hateful remarks from fans during the team’s May 17 season opener against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The WNBA immediately launched an investigation into the allegations. However, after conducting fan interviews, reviewing video footage, and speaking with arena and team staff, the league found no evidence to support the claims and ruled that no action was necessary against fans or the Fever organization.

Despite the league’s findings, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas—fiancé of Fever star DeWanna Bonner—stood by Reese and expressed support, saying she believed Reese’s account regardless of the outcome.

“I think as a league, we stick together as players,” Thomas said. “If she [Angel Reese] said she heard it, then we believe her. I believe her. It’s unacceptable, it’s something that we’re gonna continue to fight for regardless if they found anything or not.”

Caitlin Clark, who was involved in an in-game clash with Reese during the same matchup, said she didn’t personally hear any inappropriate comments due to the crowd noise but trusted the WNBA’s process.

Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team WNBA forward Angel Reese (5) battles for position against USA Women’s National Team forward Alyssa Thomas (14) during the WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Alyssa Thomas vs. Angel Reese: Rivalry Heats Up Again

Tensions reignited Tuesday when Reese and Thomas faced off as the Chicago Sky visited the Phoenix Mercury. It marked another chapter in their growing rivalry that started last season.

The history between the two dates back to May 25, 2024, when Thomas—then with the Connecticut Sun—was ejected after a hard foul that saw her wrap Reese’s neck during a rebound, sending the rookie crashing to the floor.

May 25, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (25) defends against Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) during the second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

This time around, things again got physical. Reese set a hard screen that sent Thomas to the ground, and in the process, Thomas grabbed at Reese’s jersey to pull her down, drawing a foul.

Reese flashed a smirk after the play, but Thomas had the final say on the scoreboard. The Mercury pulled off a 94–89 win, handing the Sky their fourth straight loss to start the season.

May 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) in the first half against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Both players recorded double-doubles—Reese with 13 points and 15 boards, Thomas with 10 points and an impressive 15 assists—adding fuel to a rivalry that continues to demand attention on and off the court.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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