Caitlin Clark once again became the subject of widespread online discussion following the Indiana Fever's overtime victory against the Atlanta Dream earlier in August. During the final moments of regulation, as Atlanta's Angel Reese reacted to a missed layup that could have secured a win, cameras showed Clark smiling in the background while Reese was being comforted by her teammate Rhyne Howard. The precise reason for Clark's expression was not immediately apparent, but the brief video clip swiftly gained traction across social media platforms, evolving into a popular meme. This interaction further intensified the ongoing athletic rivalry between Clark and Reese, a dynamic that originated with Reese's "You can’t see me" gesture directed at Clark during the 2023 national championship game.
Discussion on "Post Moves" Podcast
The viral interaction became a topic of conversation on a recent installment of the "Post Moves" podcast, where Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston discussed the event with co-host and Basketball Hall of Famer Candace Parker.
During a segment focused on the August 16 game between the Fever and the Dream, Parker directly brought up the much-talked-about incident. "Did you see Caitlin’s reaction to the Dream’s missed putback?" the three-time WNBA champion inquired of her fellow Fever player.
"In real time you see nothing, but we [the Fever] saw it after and I was like, ‘Here we go,’" Boston responded.
Boston then reflected on the subsequent online reaction, noting, "No 'cause like, we just—peace, love and happiness. We will never be free!"
Broader Viral Moments
Parker further observed that the Fever team itself has been central to several of the WNBA season's most significant viral occurrences. She cited instances such as Sophie Cunningham's distinctive pointing gesture and Paige Bueckers' moment where she appeared to tell Clark to settle down. Parker also pointed out that Reese has contributed her own share of memorable, meme-generating moments.
Commenting on the interaction involving Bueckers and Clark, Parker remarked, "I would have been like Paige, too. I’d have been like, ‘Calm down. I’m trying to foul you.’"
Boston, however, remained unconvinced by the idea of advising someone to "calm down," implying that such advice seldom achieves its desired outcome. "No, I don’t care," she stated.
Recent Team Performance
Following their August 16 defeat by Indiana, the Atlanta Dream have achieved a notable turnaround, securing four consecutive victories and clinching a spot in the postseason. Meanwhile, the Fever recently triumphed over the Chicago Sky last Sunday in a matchup that garnered record-breaking viewership numbers. Indiana is scheduled to play at home again on Friday, where they will host the Connecticut Sun.
