Aliyah Boston did not see Caitlin Clark’s reaction in real time. But after watching the clip later, the Indiana Fever center immediately understood the attention it would generate.
Clark had already helped Indiana secure a tense 95-91 overtime win over the Atlanta Dream on August 16 when another moment from the game began circulating on social media.
Caitlin Clark’s reaction to Angel Reese miss goes viral
Angel Reese missed a potential game-winning putback at the end of regulation. Cameras then showed Clark in the background appearing to smile as Reese stood with her teammates.
The brief reaction quickly became another talking point in the long-running rivalry between Clark and Reese, which began in college basketball and has continued into the WNBA.
Boston discussed the moment on the “Post Moves” podcast with Candace Parker, explaining that the Fever did not notice anything unusual while the game was taking place.
“We saw it after, but like in real time you see nothing,” Boston said. “We saw it after and I was like, ‘Here we go.’ Just like peace, love and happiness. We will never be free.”
Her comments reflected how nearly any interaction involving Clark and Reese can become a major storyline, even when the players themselves may barely notice it in the moment.
Clark and Reese remain under constant scrutiny
The intense attention surrounding Clark and Reese dates to their famous meeting in the 2023 NCAA national championship game. During LSU’s victory over Iowa, Reese directed the “you can’t see me” gesture toward Clark, creating one of the tournament’s defining images.
Their transition to the WNBA only increased the spotlight, with every matchup carrying additional anticipation. The August 16 contest already featured plenty of drama before the viral clip emerged.
Clark finished with 26 points and nine assists to lead Indiana. Reese recorded 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists for Atlanta. Reese nearly won the game in regulation after collecting a missed shot from Rhyne Howard and attempting a putback at the rim.
The attempt missed, sending the game into overtime and giving Indiana the opportunity to finish the victory. Parker found Clark’s reaction amusing and suggested it had become one of the season’s most memorable memes.
Boston said her reaction was less about the smile itself and more about knowing what would happen next.
“No ‘cause like, we just, peace, love and happiness. We will never be free!” Boston said.
Indiana Fever stars continue to fuel viral moments
The Fever have been at the center of several social-media moments this season, a trend Parker also joked about during the podcast.
She referenced other incidents involving Indiana players, including Sophie Cunningham’s animated gestures and Paige Bueckers telling Clark to calm down.
“I would have been like Paige, too,” Parker said. “I’d have been like, ‘Calm down. I’m trying to foul you.’”
Boston was not convinced.
“No, I don’t care,” she replied.
The Fever have continued moving forward despite the attention. Atlanta responded to the loss by winning four consecutive games and securing a playoff berth.
The viral clip lasted only a few seconds, but Boston’s reaction made it clear that Indiana’s players have become accustomed to every moment involving Clark being examined frame by frame.