Skip Bayless’ blunt Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese take proved timely after Fever-Dream thriller originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Skip Bayless identified the defining strength and most frustrating weakness of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Sunday’s game between the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream then provided evidence for nearly every part of his argument.
Before Indiana’s 95-91 overtime victory, Bayless declared Clark the greatest passer in WNBA history. He also acknowledged the risk that accompanies her ambitious approach.
“Caitlin Clark is by far the W’s best passer – best ever in the W,” Bayless wrote on X. “Every game 3-4 of her passes are so stunning teammates aren’t ready, can’t convert.”
Bayless noted that Clark’s high-risk passes also contribute to her league-leading turnover total. That criticism is fair, but it cannot be separated from the creativity that makes her so dangerous. Clark regularly attempts passes most players would not even consider. Some become spectacular assists. Others sail out of bounds, get intercepted or surprise teammates who are not prepared for the ball.
Indiana accepts those mistakes because of everything else Clark creates.
Clark and Reese display strengths in overtime battle
Clark finished Sunday’s victory with 26 points and nine assists. She repeatedly created open opportunities for teammates while helping the Fever improve to 23-12 and extend their winning streak to four games.
Angel Reese, who has made 3 straight All-Star teams, is on the way to becoming the greatest WNBA rebounder ever. She's leading the league in rebounding - but also in badly blown layups. Never seen anything like her lack of control at the rim. Can make you laugh or wince.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) August 16, 2026
Bayless was similarly complimentary of Reese, calling the Atlanta star a future candidate to become the greatest rebounder in WNBA history. He then delivered a much harsher assessment of her finishing.
“She’s leading the league in rebounding – but also in badly blown layups,” Bayless wrote. “Never seen anything like her lack of control at the rim.”
That criticism arrived after Reese missed a potential game-winning layup at the end of regulation. Rhyne Howard missed a 3-pointer with the score tied at 81, but Reese grabbed the offensive rebound and found herself directly underneath the basket. She had an opportunity to finish the game, only for her attempt to hit the backboard and roll off the front of the rim.
Indiana controlled overtime and escaped with the victory.
MORE: Dick Vitale’s three-word Caitlin Clark description says it all
Bayless captures complicated reality around WNBA stars
Reducing Reese’s performance to one miss would be unfair. She recorded 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists while helping Atlanta recover from a nine-point deficit. Her rebounding created extra opportunities throughout the game, and her passing helped the Dream generate offense against Indiana’s defense.
Still, Reese shot 5-for-16. Improving her efficiency near the rim remains essential if she wants to become a more complete offensive player. The same logic applies to Clark. Her turnovers can be damaging, but asking her to eliminate every risky pass would remove part of what makes her special.
That is what made Bayless’ comments notable. He did not simply praise Clark and criticize Reese, or choose one side of their ongoing rivalry. He identified the extraordinary ability and obvious flaw within each player’s game. Clark is already an elite scorer and potentially an unmatched passer, but she must manage risk more effectively.
Reese may become the most productive rebounder the league has seen, but she must convert more of the chances she creates. Both players were productive Sunday. Both also demonstrated exactly why their games remain such frequent topics of debate.