After the Chicago Sky’s narrow 88-87 victory over Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Sunday, Fox Sports 1 host Skip Bayless had high praise for Angel Reese.
The win sparked a comparative analysis between the two standout rookies, with Bayless highlighting distinct qualities in their approaches to the game.
In a post-game segment on Monday’s episode of “Undisputed,” Bayless reflected on Reese’s gritty performance. “The first thing out of [Reese’s] mouth was ‘I got that dog in me,'” he recounted from Reese’s post-game interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe, clearly impressed by her combative spirit and determination.
Conversely, Bayless expressed reservations about Clark’s intensity, questioning whether she possesses the same innate grit. “Conversely, I don’t know if [Clark] has got that dog in her,” Bayless mused. He elaborated on this inherent quality, suggesting, “You either were born with it or you weren’t, and you can’t nurture it, coach it, or teach it. It’s what you’re made of.”
His analysis didn’t stop at their temperaments. While Bayless acknowledged Clark’s undeniable talent and her exceptional ability to distribute the basketball, he voiced concerns based on her recent performance, especially when compared to her past appearances in crucial games. “I’m looking at the last three quarters of this game, and Caitlin was very quiet; it reminded me of the championship game against South Carolina,” he remarked, referring to Iowa’s NCAA loss where Clark was notably subdued.
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Previously, Bayless had been critical of Reese, even suggesting that she exhibited jealousy and bitterness towards Clark, especially after the Sky’s loss to the Fever the previous week. “I don’t think she wants to be the villain, but she’s the instigator,” he observed. Bayless also took issue with Reese’s comments about the officiating, particularly her suggestion that the referees gave Clark preferential treatment. “Her postgames reek a little bit of jealousy and bitterness. That’s how it comes across to me,” he added.
In his critique, Bayless also touched on the physicality Clark faces on the court, challenging Reese’s claims about biased officiating. “And when she says ‘special whistle,’ I gotta tell you, I’ve watched every single one of Caitlin’s games. There have been so many times when she’s trying to dribble the ball up the court, and she gets met by a very physical defender who just footballs her. And they don’t ever call it,” he explained.
Through his commentary, Bayless portrayed a complex picture of two highly talented athletes navigating the pressures and expectations of professional basketball, each displaying unique strengths and facing distinct challenges.
