Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was seen smiling on the bench as Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese missed a potential game-winning layup in the closing seconds of regulation on Sunday. The Fever went on to win the game 95-91 in overtime.
The sequence occurred with the score tied at 81. Reese secured a rebound and attempted a putback near the basket, with Fever defender Aliyah Boston contesting. The shot missed the rim, and a subsequent attempt by Naz Hillmon was also thwarted by Boston. As Reese's teammates consoled her, a broadcast camera captured Clark, who was on the other side of the court, appearing to smile while looking in Reese's direction.
The clip of Clark's reaction circulated widely on social media.
Clark contributed significantly to the Fever's victory, scoring 26 points and providing nine assists. She sealed the win with two free throws in the final 9.8 seconds of overtime. This marks the Fever's fourth consecutive win and their eleventh victory in their last fourteen games.
Reese also had a notable performance despite the missed opportunity, recording 15 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists for the Sky. The Sky currently trail the Fever by 1 ½ games for the fourth seed in the standings.
The Indiana Fever have been navigating various off-court discussions, including comments made by Sophie Cunningham regarding transgender athletes and the level of support coach Stephanie White has shown to players following a flagrant foul incident involving DiJonai Carrington and Cunningham.