Stephen A. Smith Reveals an “EXCLUSIVE SECRET”: Angel Reese Was STUNNED by Caitlin Clark after Defeating Indiana Fever! She Admits She Misjudged Clark and Was Surprised by Her Team’s Incredible Victory
In the world of women’s basketball, rivalries can be both fierce and fleeting. But every so often, a moment comes along that not only defines a season, but also changes the way athletes view each other—on and off the court. That’s exactly what happened after the recent matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever, a game that saw Angel Reese and her teammates pull off a stunning victory over Caitlin Clark’s squad. And according to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
On his popular sports talk show, Stephen A. Smith dropped what he called an “exclusive secret” about the aftermath of the Sky’s win—a revelation that has since sent shockwaves through the WNBA fanbase. “I’m telling you right now,” Smith declared, leaning into the camera with his trademark intensity, “Angel Reese was absolutely stunned by Caitlin Clark. She admitted it herself—she misjudged Clark, and was surprised not just by Clark’s performance, but by the way her own team rose to the occasion.”
The game itself was already the talk of the league. The Indiana Fever, led by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, had been riding a wave of momentum. Clark, known for her deep three-pointers and court vision, had quickly become one of the most electrifying players in the league. On the other side, Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s rookie powerhouse, had been making headlines of her own—both for her dominant play and her outspoken personality.
But when the two met on the hardwood, it was more than just a battle of rookies. It was a clash of styles, personalities, and expectations. The Fever entered the game as favorites, with many analysts predicting a comfortable win. But the Sky had other plans.
From the opening tip, the game was a back-and-forth affair. Clark dazzled with her trademark step-back threes and no-look passes, while Reese battled for every rebound and hustled on defense. The intensity was palpable, with both teams trading leads and neither giving an inch. But as the game wore on, it became clear that the Sky were not intimidated. In fact, they seemed energized by the challenge.
In the closing minutes, with the game on the line, it was Reese who made the difference. She grabbed a crucial offensive rebound, drew a foul, and calmly sank both free throws to give her team the lead. The Sky’s defense then clamped down, forcing Clark into a contested shot that rimmed out as the final buzzer sounded. The Chicago Sky had pulled off the upset, and the crowd erupted in celebration.
But it was what happened after the game that truly caught people’s attention. According to Smith, Angel Reese was visibly emotional in the locker room—not just because of the win, but because of what she had learned. “She told her teammates, ‘I underestimated Caitlin Clark. I thought I knew what kind of player she was, but she’s even better than I imagined. She pushed me to be my best tonight.’”
Smith went on to explain that Reese’s respect for Clark grew immensely after their head-to-head battle. “Angel admitted that she came into the game with a chip on her shoulder, maybe even a little cocky. But facing Clark, seeing her composure and skill up close, changed everything. Reese said, ‘She’s the real deal. I have to give her credit.’”
The revelation has resonated with fans and analysts alike, who see it as a sign of maturity and sportsmanship from both young stars. In an age where rivalries often spill over into social media trash talk, it was refreshing to see two competitors acknowledge each other’s greatness.
For Reese, the victory was about more than just the scoreboard. “This game taught me a lot,” she reportedly told her coaches after the game. “It’s not about proving people wrong—it’s about proving ourselves right, and respecting the competition. Caitlin made me better tonight, and I hope I did the same for her.”
Clark, for her part, was gracious in defeat. She congratulated Reese and the Sky, and later posted a message on social media: “Great battle tonight. Hats off to Chicago—y’all earned it. We’ll be back.”
Stephen A. Smith’s exclusive only added to the legend of this budding rivalry. “This is what sports is all about,” he said in closing. “Two great players, pushing each other to new heights, and walking away with more respect than they had before.”
As the WNBA season continues, all eyes will be on the next meeting between the Sky and the Fever, and especially on the evolving relationship between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. If this game—and the honesty that followed—is any indication, fans are in for something special. In a league defined by its stars, it’s the moments of vulnerability, respect, and growth that truly set them apart.
And as Stephen A. Smith would say, “You better believe there’s more to come.”