Josh Hart pinpoints 1 crucial mistake that doomed Spurs in NBA Finals
Josh Hart believes the San Antonio Spurs lost the mental battle before the NBA Finals even tipped off.
The New York Knicks forward spoke candidly about the Spurs this week during a live episode of the “Roomates” podcast in Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, N.Y. Hart recounted the Knicks’ early exit last season, when his squad was upset by the Indiana Pacers.
Hart claimed the Knicks had been so focused on beating the Boston Celtics last year and were on too much of a high after doing so in the conference semifinals. He felt the Spurs went through a “similar” experience in their 7-game series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“Everyone’s talking to them about, ‘Yo, they’ve got to beat OKC. OKC’s going to repeat,’” Hart said of the Spurs.
“They beat OKC. For a young team, I feel like that was the mountaintop for them. looked at [Jalen Brunson] and was like, ‘You see that reaction? They think they’re going to win it. They think it’s over.”
"You see that reaction because they think they gon' win it. They think it's over."
— ESPN (@espn) June 20, 2026
Josh Hart spoke about the Knicks watching the Spurs celebrate after beating OKC 👀@Roommates__Show special episode from MSG | 10 ET on ESPN and the ESPN App 🗽 pic.twitter.com/Cg8VFpem6o
Hart compared that to the Knicks’ reaction (or lack thereof) after they beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 4-0 sweep of the Eastern Conference Finals. He noted that the team found it “hard to celebrate” because they maintained the mindset of needing four more wins.
The Knicks remembered what happened last season and refused to let up the “0-0” mindset even when they were already a game away from winning it all. Therein lies the value of playoff experience.
If the Spurs once again win the West next season, Wembanyama probably wouldn’t be weeping tears of joy like he was after beating the Thunder last month.
Marshawn Lynch spotted as credentialed photographer at World Cup
Marshawn Lynch’s list of post-NFL side quests continues to grow with each passing year.
The Seattle Seahawks icon was in familiar territory on Friday night. Lynch was spotted on the field at Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field) in Seattle, Wash. But instead of striking fear into the hearts of opposing NFL defenses, Lynch was taking snapshots of Team USA’s FIFA World Cup match against Australia.
Lynch had a Canon camera in hand as the USMNT beat the Socceroos 2-0 to take hold of Group D.
Marshawn Lynch: USMNT Photographer pic.twitter.com/rATUTNMDaz
— Underdog (@Underdog) June 20, 2026
The 40-year-old seemed to work just the first half, as the FOX broadcast panned to him watching the game next to his former Seahawks teammate Cliff Avril. Lynch may have become the first-ever World Cup credentialed photographer to have his own suite during a game.
Marshawn Lynch back in Seattle watching the #WorldCup. pic.twitter.com/CChqPPJVDO
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 19, 2026
Lynch probably didn’t want to get too close to the action this time around, or else risk a repeat of last year’s incident when he elbowed Seahawks running back George Holani.
There has been a surprising overlap between Seattle sports legends and credentialed sports photographers. Seattle Mariners superstar Ken Griffey Jr. has made waves of late for his skills behind the camera.
MMA fighter got knocked out cold 4 seconds into fight
Jose Aldo can now rest easy knowing someone else has him well beaten in the early KO department.
Legacy Fighting Alliance middleweight Jake Woodley (8-1-0) knocked out David Wright (6-3-0) just four seconds into their LFA 235 co-main event fight at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Ky. Woodley threw a wicked right haymaker that landed in the opening second of the bout, which immediately knocked Wright unconscious.
The referee instantly realized that Wright was out cold and stopped the fight before Woodley could do any more damage to his downed foe. Check out the vicious one-punch KO below.
Woodley Wins!
— LFA (@LFAfighting) June 20, 2026
Jake Woodley def. David Wright via KO in Round 1 at 0:04
📲 @VICETV @ESPNDeportes @ESPNKnockout
🇺🇸#LFALouisville#LFA235 pic.twitter.com/BaxfeR4u7J
The match timer had not even appeared yet when the punch landed. Woodley’s four-second KO was the fastest in Legacy Fighting Alliance and one of the quickest in MMA history bar none.
Woodley interestingly had UFC legend Holly Holm in his corner. The former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, who famously knocked out Ronda Rousey, may have given Woodley some effective advice about finishing a fight with flair.
Diamondbacks hit with yet another injury blow to All-Star pitcher
The Arizona Diamondbacks can’t catch a break when it comes to their pitching rotation.
Former All-Star pitcher Michael Soroka started Friday’s game against the Minnesota Twins at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Soroka got through all of one inning before he started feeling discomfort in his delivery.
Following a scoreless first, Soroka threw one warmup pitch before the top of the second inning and called for a trainer to take a look at him. He seemed to be testing out his left leg.
#DBacks starting pitcher Michael Soroka exits the game after throwing a warmup pitch at the top of the 2nd inning. Looks like a possible leg injury. RHP Taylor Clarke comes in to replace Soroka. @AZFamilySports @azfamily pic.twitter.com/qV50FqOzZc
— Julia Lopez (@JuliaLopez3) June 20, 2026
Soroka was removed from the game after just nine pitches thrown, which the Diamondbacks later clarified was due to posterior left hip discomfort.
Soroka entered Friday’s game as one of Arizona’s most dependable pitchers, with a 3.11 ERA and an 8-3 record across 14 starts this season.
The Diamondbacks lost starting pitcher Ryne Nelson to injury earlier this week. Nelson is expected to remain on the injured list as he recovers from a flexor muscle strain and UCL strain.
On top of the injuries to Nelson and Soroka, starter Corbin Burnes and reliever AJ Puk also suffered setbacks in their progression to return from Tommy John surgery last year.
Burnes was originally scheduled to return around the All-Star break, but was shut down to start the month due to a teres strain. The Diamondbacks ace is projected to return sometime in September, while Puk is expected to undergo an MRI in about four weeks as he deals with a capsule strain.
East contender eyeing All-Star consolation prize amid Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks
The Detroit Pistons could land quite the consolation prize to help make a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade happen.
With Cade Cunningham clearly off the table, the Pistons do not have nearly enough tradable pieces to bid for the Milwaukee Bucks star. But last season’s No. 1 seed in the East is reportedly positioning itself to acquire Tyler Herro should the Miami Heat win the Giannis trade sweepstakes.
According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, Herro would have to be included in any trade that involves Antetokounmpo heading to South Beach. With the Bucks not interested in building around Herro, the Pistons are reportedly looking to facilitate a three-team deal in which Herro ends up in Detroit.
Per Stein, the Pistons would then provide the Heat with “a draft asset or two” to make Miami’s trade package for Giannis more attractive.
Detroit is in desperate need of more scoring to help take the offensive load off Cunningham.
Stein reported that the Pistons have also inquired about Kyrie Irving but were rebuffed by the Dallas Mavericks. Detroit also looked into a deal for Trey Murphy, whom the New Orleans Pelicans have attached a very high price tag to.
Herro may be the most cost-effective option for Pistons GM Trajan Langdon, should Miami’s offer for Antetokounmpo beat out all the rest.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has definitive take on Team USA’s chances at the World Cup
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has officially hopped on the U.S. Men’s National Team bandwagon at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The legendary Swedish striker was on FOX’s postgame panel Friday following Team USA’s win over Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash., to remain atop Group D. The Americans went ahead in the 11th minute courtesy of a Cameron Burgess own goal, then scored another via an Alex Freeman header on a deflected ball that hovered right in front of goal.
After the result, FOX host Rebecca Lowe asked Ibrahimovic for a succinct answer on Team USA’s chances to win it all. Ibra obliged.
Lowe: “Zlatan, I want one word from you. Can the US win this World Cup, yes or no?”
Ibrahimovic: “Yes.”
Zlatan has spoken.@Ibra_Official gives a one-word answer on whether the @USMNT can win the FIFA World Cup pic.twitter.com/FUkm6vShb7
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026
Ibrahimovic has never been afraid to speak his mind in the past. If he legitimately thought the World Cup hosts were pretenders, he would probably have said so.
The USMNT has been in fine form to start the World Cup, with two decisive wins over Paraguay and Australia to all but secure the top spot in Group D. The Americans won on Friday despite star winger Christian Pulisic being kept off the field by a lingering calf injury.
Pulisic got kicked in the back of the leg during the first half of last week’s match against Paraguay, which prompted head coach Mauricio Pochettino to keep him out for the second half. Despite the player and coach making it seem like the early substitution was precautionary, Pulisic still sat out the game against Australia.
Ibrahimovic and thousands of other soccer fans may be starting to think that could be Team USA’s year. But the USMNT would more than likely need Pulisic healthy and producing to make the prediction come true.
Dylan Harper is making 1 notable request of the Spurs
Dylan Harper continues to get antsy in San Antonio.
The San Antonio Spurs guard Harper is expected to request a starting spot next season, Michael C. Wright of ESPN reported on Friday. Wright notes that calls from Harper’s camp for him to start are expected to grow louder heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Harper, 20, was the Spurs’ No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. But he suddenly became a massively important player for San Antonio down the stretch of the season and their NBA Finals run, despite being a sixth man. Harper averaged 11.8 points and 3.9 assists per game during the regular season and then 14.1 points and 2.7 assists per game against tougher defenses in the playoffs, even posting multiple 20-point games in the Finals against the New York Knicks.
As it stands right now though, Harper is still stuck on the depth chart behind teammates De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. A recent report about Fox’s status in San Antonio is also now serving as bad news for Harper’s outlook.
Just last week, we learned that Harper was frustrated throughout the season with his fairly limited role on the Spurs. Harper also especially seemed unhappy with the dynamic between himself and Fox, as illustrated by a controversial TikTok that Harper reposted earlier this month.
Of course, Harper does not have a whole lot of leverage here since he is still on his rookie contract and cannot even become a restricted free agent until 2029. But San Antonio may still have to watch out here because of the potential of having an unhappy young star on their hands in Harper.
USA player had to help cramping ref during World Cup game
Team USA players had to help out the referee late in Friday’s FIFA World Cup game against Australia.
Referee Felix Zwayer suddenly dealt with cramps during the waning moments of Friday’s game at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, Wash. In an odd sight, players had to intervene and try to help him through it and finish the game. Forward Folarin Balogun could even be seen stretching Zwayer’s leg out.
Flo Balogun helps stretch out the referee pic.twitter.com/iQLHCX2wuc
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026
Weather conditions were warm for Friday’s game, and like the players, the referee has to run and cover a lot of ground during a match. It is fairly rare to see an official actually felled by cramps, but it is not unprecedented.
Zwayer was able to get back up and finish the game without further incident.
As for the game itself, the Americans won 2-0 against Australia to guarantee themselves a spot in the knockout round. Impressively, they did so without star player Christian Pulisic as well. They could clinch first place in the group as early as Friday depending on the result of the evening game between Turkey and Paraguay.
Report: Karl-Anthony Towns is still frustrated with the Knicks
Karl-Anthony Towns is apparently going against the conventional wisdom that winning cures all.
The New York Knicks star center Towns remains frustrated with the team despite their NBA championship victory, Vincent Goodwill of ESPN reported Friday during an appearance on “Get Up.” Goodwill notes that Towns has not gotten over the Knicks failing to sign him to a contract extension before the season and that their failure to do so has “stuck with him.”
Towns, the six-time NBA All-Star, was acquired by the Knicks from his longtime team of the Minnesota Timberwolves via a 2024 trade. This season for New York, Towns’ averages fell to a more reserved 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds per game in the regular season and 15.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per game during the playoffs.
Still, the Knicks went on to win their first NBA championship in over 50 years with Towns as their starting center. Towns even had some of the most underrated contributions to the Knicks’ title triumph.
But we had heard reports for months before that claiming that Towns was frustrated with New York in part because they dangled him in trade talks at the February deadline. Even as the Knicks closed in on winning it all, there were still rumors about Towns supposedly being unhappy.
As it stands right now, Towns will be entering his final guaranteed year under contract next season, but he also has a player option for the 2027-28 season. With Knicks owner James Dolan seemingly expressing his unwillingness to spend in order to keep the team’s core together, Towns’ future in New York definitely seems to be on some shaky ground right now, even in spite of him now having a championship ring.
Derrick White draws strong trade interest from contending team
If the Boston Celtics trade Derrick White, one Western Conference contender will be near the front of the line.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have “strong interest” in White, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. It is not clear whether or not the Celtics will listen to offers for White, but Minnesota will have interest if they do.
White is a core part of the Celtics, but financial reasons may come into play. Boston owes him roughly $63 million over the next two seasons, and he is coming off a fairly unproductive postseason.
On the other hand, White is an All-Defense talent and an NBA champion. As recently as last offseason, Boston put an enormous price tag on him, but the guard turns 32 in July and the Celtics might need to find some additional financial wiggle room going forward with Tatum and Brown locked in long-term.
The Timberwolves seemingly had something of a leadership void last season. White, an experienced veteran, could help with that as the team tries to take the next step toward an NBA title.
Josh Giddey is being linked to 1 team in trade rumors
Josh Giddey might potentially be in line for a return to the Western Conference.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are showing trade interest in the Chicago Bulls guard Giddey, Darren Wolfson of KSTP in Minnesota reported on Friday. Wolfson also notes that Boston Celtics guard Derrick White is another player of interest to the Timberwolves this summer.
Giddey, the former No. 6 overall pick, is coming off a career year in 2025-26. He averaged 17.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game (though he was limited to just 54 games played due to an ankle injury).
Meanwhile, Giddey is also a high-value trade asset because of his age and his contract. Despite being a five-year NBA veteran, Giddey is still just 23 years old and is also signed with the Bulls through 2028-29 (making $25 million per year).
That said, Chicago appears to be tearing it down. They have traded away a number of veterans like Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu over the course of the last year-plus, and they also hold the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s guard-rich NBA Draft.
Still, Giddey probably still matches the timeline of the Bulls under new head coach Tiago Splitter given his youth and his upside. But it is certainly worth a try for the Timberwolves, who badly need a backcourt partner alongside Anthony Edwards and were recently mentioned in connection with an even bigger name at point guard.
Wizards may be having second thoughts about the No. 1 pick
A new report suggests that the Washington Wizards may not be quite as decided on the No. 1 overall pick as the conventional wisdom has suggested.
Multiple experts privately believe there is still a real chance that the Wizards draft Darryn Peterson ahead of AJ Dybantsa first overall, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Stein added that the process has been characterized as “increased consideration” of Peterson.
1 am Marc Stein NUKE. wow pic.twitter.com/cJMdOQPgc0
— wonzo🧀 (@WonzoTV) June 19, 2026
This would come as a surprise to Dybantsa, who reportedly believes he will be the Wizards’ pick. Conventional wisdom has suggested the same thing, though the Wizards have done nothing to tip their hand either way.
Whether Peterson believes he will be the No. 1 pick or not, he certainly thinks he should be based on his workout plans. The Kansas star has questions to answer about his durability, though he is certainly talented enough to justify going No. 1.
The Wizards are believed to be choosing between Dybantsa and Peterson. Whichever one of them does not go first will be considered the likely pick at No. 2 for the Utah Jazz.
Titans star becomes the highest-paid DT in NFL history
The Tennessee Titans are resetting the market for defensive tackles.
The Titans and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons agreed to a 3-year, $105.8 million contract extension on Friday. The deal contains $100 million in guaranteed money.
The #Titans and All-Pro Jeff Simmons agreed to a deal making him the highest paid DT in NFL history, per me & @MikeGarafolo.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 19, 2026
The 3-year, $105.8M extension with $100M guaranteed and was negotiated by Todd France and A.J. Stevens of @athletesfirst. Confirmed on IG by @toddfrance_ pic.twitter.com/WEINag9FDz
This is the second huge contract Simmons has signed in his career. When he signed that one in 2023, only Aaron Donald made more money among interior defensive linemen. This is a substantial raise on that one, and it also makes him the first defensive tackle in NFL history to earn $100 million in guaranteed money.
Simmons was drafted by the Titans in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and he has proven to be well worth it. If anything, he has gotten even better, and he set a career high with 11 sacks for Tennessee last season.
The next step for Simmons and the Titans will be to return to contention. They made the playoffs in each of Simmons’ first three NFL seasons, but have not gotten there since 2021. That is also their most recent winning season.
Celtics interested in blockbuster 1-for-1 trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Boston Celtics are interested in Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the deal they would most like to do is reportedly a longshot.
The Celtics accept that Jaylen Brown will likely be demanded by the Milwaukee Bucks in any trade involving Antetokounmpo. The Celtics would prefer to do a one-for-one trade involving Brown and Antetokounmpo, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic, but accept that the Bucks are unlikely to be interested in that.
Some rival executives believe the Bucks would consider a Brown deal with additional picks, and might even build around Brown. The Celtics forward is two years younger than Antetokounmpo and could plausibly be an MVP candidate. The Bucks are unlikely to get a better player for Antetokounmpo, though a one-for-one swap would not help them in the future.
Much has been made of Brown’s potential availability this offseason. The Celtics maintain they are not shopping him, but it seems that he might be available in the right deal, and there are even suggestions that he and the Celtics might not be on the same page anymore.
An Antetokounmpo trade is still considered likely before the NBA Draft. Another team, however, appears to be ahead of Boston in the rac.e
Kendrick Perkins has landed a new job
Kendrick Perkins is taking on a new role in addition to his ESPN duties.
Perkins is the new general manager for Jackson State’s basketball program, ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed Friday. Perkins will also serve as a connection to the school’s broadcasting and journalism program.
ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins – 14-year NBA veteran and 2008 champion – has agreed to become the men's basketball General Manager of HBCU Jackson State, as well as a connection to its broadcast and journalism program, per Perkins: "I'm thankful for this opportunity to impact… pic.twitter.com/lTHV4tSn3a
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 19, 2026
Somewhat unusually, Perkins has no previous connection to the Jackson State program. He did not play collegiately, as he entered the NBA Draft straight out of high school. He had committed to Memphis before opting to go pro.
Perkins is one of a number of current and former players that have gotten involved in college basketball advisory roles. In a certain sense, it is something of an ambassador role, as the players provide professional connections to the program and increase their visibility.
Perkins’ primary job will remain to deliver NBA hot takes on ESPN. He has become a highly visible analyst for the network, though he has at times been divisive and alienated some fans and even players with the things he says.
Joaquin Niemann penalized for throwing his club 50 yards at US Open
Joaquin Niemann provided one of the more impressive feats of the US Open on Thursday. Unfortunately, it is not something that will actually help him win.
Niemann received a two-stroke penalty on Friday for throwing his club at the US Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y. during first-round action. The Chilean lost his temper on the 15th hole, where he hit two balls out of bounds on Thursday just before play was suspended due to darkness.
When play resumed Friday, Niemann was notified that he had received a two-stroke penalty on the hole for throwing his club after his approach shot fell short of the green. While there was no video of the incident, a tournament volunteer said Niemann threw his club roughly 50 yards in anger during an outburst of frustration.
Just talked to a volunteer, Tristan Chang, who witnessed Joaquin Niemann’s club throw that cost him a two-shot penalty:
— Gabby Herzig (@GabbyHerzig) June 19, 2026
-After hitting two balls OB, Niemann tried to get free relief from fire ants (to no avail) from where his third drive ended up in the fescue
-Got visibly…
The USGA determined that Niemann’s transgression represented “serious misconduct.” Once the penalty was applied, Niemann had scored a 7-over 11 on the hole.
Niemann knows it is not fun to watch someone melt down. Unfortunately, he was the one losing his cool this time, and is essentially already out of contention as a result.
Spurs have made their decision regarding De’Aaron Fox
De’Aaron Fox apparently has nothing to worry about regarding his San Antonio Spurs future despite his rough NBA Finals.
The Spurs still view Fox as their franchise point guard, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPN. Within the organization, he is considered a “calming presence” who operated as the team’s closer for much of the season when healthy.
There is also the practical reason that Fox is not likely to go anywhere: his new $229 million contract kicks in next season, and it would be very hard for San Antonio to move it. For now, he is signed through the 2029-30 season, and will make $61.7 million in the final year of that deal.
The Spurs are willing to give Fox some grace considering he was playing hurt throughout the playoffs. That does not necessarily explain his bad decisions at the end of San Antonio’s collapse in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, but at least some of his relative lack of production during the Finals can likely be chalked up to the injury.
Fox averaged 18.6 points and 6.2 assists per game during the regular season. Those numbers fell to 15.6 points and 6.0 assists per game during the postseason.
1 notable team is still pursuing Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard still apparently has a lifeline from elsewhere in the Pacific Division.
The Golden State Warriors are still pursuing a trade for the LA Clippers star Leonard, according to a report on Thursday by Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo! Sports. O’Connor reported during his self-titled show that the Warriors’ interest in Leonard has not declined at all and that they continue to go after the former Finals MVP.
Leonard just completed his sixth career season with the Clippers. He will be entering the final year of his contract in 2026-27 (at $50.3 million), leading to questions about Leonard’s long-term future in LA.
Last season, Leonard posted his best individual season yet, averaging 27.9 points per game (a career high) to go along with 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per contest. But he turns 35 later this year with an extensive history of injuries, which combined with the fact that he is on an expiring contract means that Leonard may be had for a reasonable price.
Meanwhile, the Warriors are desperate for another star to pair with Steph Curry (whose own contract expires in 2027 as well). With Jimmy Butler (torn ACL) already slated to miss a good chunk of next season, Golden State needs to get busy this summer in order to maximize their chances of contention in a rapidly-shrinking window.
The Warriors have also recently sniffed around LeBron James and are even reportedly ready to make a specific offer to him. But Leonard continues to lurk as a viable Plan B if Golden State really wants to go all-in on the 2026-27 NBA season.
Fans all said the same thing about Mike Trout’s latest injury
It is Groundhog Day all over again for Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels.
The Angels star outfielder Trout is once again headed to the injured list. Sam Blum of The Athletic reports that Trout suffered a hamstring injury during Wednesday’s loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks and is going on the IL as a result.
That led to everybody on social media saying (a variation of) the same thing — that it was only a matter of time before Trout got injured.
Classic Trout, you knew it was coming eventually
— Special (@Specops119) June 18, 2026
It was inevitable unfortunately. Imagine if trout didn’t have the injures man
— ArchMadness (@archmadness27) June 19, 2026
death, taxes, trout injury
— ® (@gtrob_) June 18, 2026
HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN EVERY SINGLE YEAR BRO WTFFF
— proud ranger fan (@RangerApologist) June 18, 2026
"The Injury List" is the name of Mike Trout's vacation home.
— Lastdance (@Lastdance_LL) June 18, 2026
The three-time AL MVP Trout had actually been enjoying an All-Star-caliber year thus far. Through 74 games, Trout was batting .234 with 17 home runs, 36 RBIs, seven stolen bases, and an AL-leading 54 runs scored. Most impressively, he had also played in 74 of the Angels’ first 75 games.
But Trout will be turning 35 in August and has been badly hampered by injuries in recent years. He has missed at least 32 games in each of the past five years running and has missed 80 or more games in three of those seasons.
Trout’s near-return to form had been one of the lone bright spots for the AL-worst 30-46 Angels this season. But with Trout now heading back to a very familiar place in the IL, the plunge into hell is just about complete for the Angels (especially given some of their more embarrassing moments this year).
Angel Reese mocks Caitlin Clark for flopping during their game
Angel Reese got to engage in her favorite pastime this week — messing with Caitlin Clark.
Reese and the Atlanta Dream faced off on Thursday against Clark and the Indiana Fever. In the second quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., Reese made contact with Clark, who was moving off the ball during a Fever possession.
Clark appeared to sell the contact a bit and successfully drew a foul on Reese as a result. In response, Reese openly mocked Clark on the court.
Reese began doing an exaggerated flailing gesture to express her belief that Clark was flopping. Here is the video of the incident.
Angel pic.twitter.com/jV4IrEwH7W
— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) June 19, 2026
Clark may have drawn the foul there, but it was Reese who came out on top in the end. Reese finished with a team-high 21 points and 11 rebounds as the Dream won by a 108-101 final score to improve to 10-4 on the season while dropping the Fever to a modest 9-6.
The superstar guard Clark did not have too bad of a night herself, finishing with 26 points and seven assists. But this was just the latest chapter written in the rivalry between Clark and Reese, especially after a flagrant-foul incident between the two last season.
