In what has been a highly-anticipated showdown, WNBA rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are preparing to face off for the third time as professionals. The upcoming game, scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m., will mark the fourth meeting between the two players within the last three months and the fifth encounter in the last 15 months. The rivalry dates back to the 2023 NCAA women's basketball national championship game, where Reese led LSU to victory over Clark's Iowa team.

While fans and media have dubbed this matchup as a fierce rivalry, Clark downplayed the notion, stating that for the players themselves, it's simply a game of basketball. Despite this, ticket prices for the game have skyrocketed, with TickPick, a second-hand marketplace, declaring it the most expensive WNBA ticket of all time. As of Friday, the average purchase price stood at an astonishing $271, reflecting a 207 percent increase compared to the Sky's home average purchase price this season.

Emotions ran high in their previous encounter, as Reese was assessed a flagrant foul for forcefully hitting Clark in the head and knocking her to the ground while attempting to block her shot. Reese later insinuated that Clark receives preferential treatment from the referees, referring to it as a "special whistle." Earlier in the season, Clark was also on the receiving end of a rough play when she was hip-checked to the ground by Sky forward Chennedy Carter, with Reese seen cheering from the bench.

The Indiana Fever, Clark's team, currently holds a 2-0 advantage over the Chicago Sky, Reese's team, in head-to-head matchups this season. Both players are excited about the upcoming game and are focused on preparing for the challenge. Clark expressed her enthusiasm for moving the game forward and potentially building a rivalry if it helps elevate the sport.

However, there is some disappointment among the players as the game will be played at the 10,387-seat Wintrust Arena in Chicago instead of the larger 23,129-seat United Center, which is hosting a concert by rapper Russ.

As the clock ticks down to Sunday's game, anticipation continues to build among fans and media alike. The previous matchups between Clark and Reese have captured the essence of great basketball, leaving everyone eager to witness another thrilling contest between two talented rookies.

Overall, this highly anticipated matchup between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese promises to be an unforgettable clash that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the WNBA.