Given the individual rivalry between star rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, a bit of a team rivalry has formed between Clark’s Indiana Fever and Reese’s Chicago Sky, at least in the eyes of the fans and media. But Clark doesn’t necessarily see it that way.
Following Indiana’s 91-79 win over the Atlanta Dream on Friday night, Caitlin Clark was asked about the upcoming matchup against the Chicago Sky and how the team is preparing for the rivalry showdown between the two teams. And Clark was quick to downplay any notion that the game was a rivalry, while still acknowledging that storylines like that are good for the game.
“I think we’re just taking it one game at a time. And I think that’s why we’ve been able to be successful on this stretch, because we haven’t looked too far ahead. It’s the game that’s always just right in front of us,” Clark said.
Caitlin Clark asked about Sunday being a rivalry game vs Chicago:
"I'm pretty sure the only people that view this as a rivalry is all of you (media). For us, it's just a game of basketball. That's what it is. If it's gonna help move the game forward, absolutely…"
Well said. pic.twitter.com/rwpD0jw8Qm
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 22, 2024
“I’m pretty sure the only people that view this as a rivalry is all of you,” Clark said, gesturing to the media. “For us, it’s just the game of basketball – that’s what it is. If it’s going to help move the game forward, absolutely. That’s amazing. People should talk about it.”
Clark noted that tickets are in high demand for Sunday’s game with the cheapest ticket going for well over $100. As a result, she thinks that the game should have been scheduled for a bigger arena.
“I mean, I saw the ticket prices. I guess the only thing is I’m surprised we’re not playing at the United Center,” Clark said. “I thought that would have been really good for the game and for all the women’s basketball fans in Chicago. Maybe there’s a conflict of some sort that I don’t know about. Obviously that’s a little above my pay grade.”
There is indeed a conflict, as rapper and singer Russ is slated to perform in the United Center on Sunday.
But even if it will be a smaller arena, Clark is still excited for the game.
“Like I said, if that’s what’s going to help the game move forward, absolutely,” Clark said. “I think the two prior matchups have really lived up to what everybody expected and just great basketball games, honestly.”
