WNBA analyst comments on viral meme of Caitlin Clark's reaction to Angel Reese's missed layup
During a tied game between the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream, Angel Reese missed a potential game-winning layup, prompting a brief smirk from Caitlin Clark that quickly became an internet meme. Analyst Rachel DeMita discussed the clip on her YouTube show.
With the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream deadlocked at 81-81 in the final seconds, Atlanta forward Angel Reese secured the rebound and attempted a game-winning layup, but missed the shot. The miss was followed by a brief moment in which Indiana guard Caitlin Clark was seen smirking from behind Reese, a clip that spread rapidly on social media.
Analyst Rachel DeMita addressed the viral clip on her Courtside Club YouTube program, describing it as "fun and light and funny" and noting the meme’s popularity. She also remarked that the online discussion around the incident remained largely humorous.
The sequence unfolded after Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard missed a three-point attempt that could have broken the tie. Reese’s missed layup was followed by a failed shot from teammate Naz Hillmon. Reese finished the game with 15 points on 5-for-16 shooting, 14 rebounds, six assists and four turnovers.
DeMita compared the moment to a similar situation involving Clark earlier in the season, when the Fever star missed two free throws that allowed the Las Vegas Aces to win in overtime. Clark later said the missed free throws were "obviously frustrating" and took responsibility for the loss.
Reese, who had struggled with shooting throughout the game, acknowledged her early-game difficulties in a halftime interview with reporter Holly Rowe.