INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 30: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark 22 questions being called for a delay of game against the Dallas Wings during a preseason game on April 30, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA APR 30 Preseason Dallas Wings at Indiana Fever EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260434

"Reminded Me of What Angel Did": Fans React as Flau'jae Johnson Responds After Caitlin Clark Checks on Her

Jul 18, 2026, 2:31 PM CUT

Rivalries created in college basketball do not just vanish in the WNBA once players start playing for their teams, and last Friday was just another example of this truth. The two rivals met on Friday evening in Seattle.

This was when, in the fourth quarter, Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark committed a foul against Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson, sending her to the ground.

Although Caitlin tried to assist her, Johnson declined it with a grim face and resumed playing.

WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA 2024: Fever vs Sun SEP 22 September 22, 2024: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark 22 looks on during game 1 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Erica Denhoff/CSM Credit Image: Â Erica Denhoff/Cal Media Uncasville Connecticut United States of America EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20240922_zma_c04_562.jpg EricaxDenhoffx csmphotothree309527

The response was justified considering the circumstances. Clark continued to put up a total of 45 points and 10 assists, which marked the first time for any WNBA player to record such stats in a single game.

This achievement, combined with the foul, is the reason why fans saw more in Johnson's anger.

The bond that has formed between them over all those years of intense competition against each other from Iowa and LSU onwards adds perspective to their rivalry on the court.

The cold response on the court was not missed by many on the internet, where it was compared to another incident with the Storm franchise and another recognizable name.

Fans React to Flau'jae Johnson's Frosty Response Toward Caitlin Clark

"Reminded me of what Angel did," said a fan, pointing to the June 27 game where Johnson's own outstretched handshake was ignored by former LSU teammate Angel Reese after the Storm beat the Dream 105-90.

The comparison stuck because Johnson was now on the receiving end of the same cold treatment.

"It was during the game, right move," another said, defending Johnson's reaction as fair given the stakes.

With the Storm clinging to a four-point lead when the foul happened, staying locked in mattered more than acknowledging a gesture mid-comeback.

"Heat of the game. That's good fiery competition right there," was another comment.

The statistics for Johnson showed that she was indeed highly competitive in that game, scoring 16 points, making six assists, and stealing three balls.

"No class from Johnson," was one comment criticising her behaviour.

These people argued that helping a teammate who fouls is basic courtesy, irrespective of the situation that developed weeks back between Johnson and Reese.

Another reaction was, "She mad cuz CC dropped 45 on her dome," and once again linked the attitude of Johnson directly to the record-breaking game of 45 points and 10 assists put up by Clark.

This combination of different reactions clearly demonstrates how that single event managed to raise questions related to sportsmanship, rivalries, and the extent of competitiveness once the whistle is blown.

Do you consider the reaction of Johnson to be a fair one, or do you think that Clark deserved better? Please comment.

Written by

Utsav Gupta

Edited by

Utsav Gupta