A heated moment between Caitlin Clark and Rhyne Howard during a May 2025 WNBA matchup has ignited a rivalry that some say surpasses even the well-known tension between Clark and Angel Reese. This incident, captured in a viral video by influencer Wilson C, shines a spotlight on Howard as Clark’s toughest opponent yet, injecting a fresh layer of drama into the season.
The clash occurred at State Farm Arena when Clark, pushing aggressively into the paint, received an elbow from Howard, prompting Clark to shove back and issue a bold stare reportedly signaling, “I’m not scared of you.” Wilson C emphasized that this raw exchange is more than just a moment of intensity—it marks the start of a rivalry with significant stakes for the league’s excitement.
How Wilson C Identifies Rhyne Howard as Clark’s True Competitor
Wilson C’s footage, accumulated more than half a million views on TikTok within hours, focuses on the fierce encounter during Indiana Fever’s 81-76 victory over the Atlanta Dream on May 22, 2025. The incident involved a physical confrontation that included a tight defensive foul by Howard, followed by a push-and-shove that drew teammates to intervene.
In his commentary, Wilson C stated,
I think I have found a real rivalry in the WNBA. And it’s not Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. It is Caitlin Clark and Rhyne Howard. They have been going at it for years.
This view captured renewed attention for Howard, presenting her as a formidable force challenging Clark’s dominance on the court.
Howard’s performance during the game further underscored her competitive edge, delivering 24 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Meanwhile, Clark, known for her consistent three-point shooting, uncharacteristically missed all five attempts beyond the arc, netting 11 points overall. The game set the stage for a rivalry centered on direct on-court confrontations rather than media-fueled narratives.
Wilson C added,
Recently, they got a lot of attention because they were chirping back and forth after the Fever-Dream Game. But the thing is, this rivalry could actually be great for the league. You gotta understand, to have a real rivalry, it has to have some layers behind it. It can’t be something falsely orchestrated by the media. It needs to be organic, and this one definitely fits the bill.
His analysis highlights that the rivalry’s authenticity lends value to the WNBA’s competitive landscape.
The Competitive Contrast Between Clark and Howard’s Playing Styles
Clark’s previous rivalry with Angel Reese drew widespread attention during their NCAA matchups, largely due to Reese’s well-publicized taunts and personal tensions. In contrast, Howard’s rivalry with Clark is defined by on-court intensity, with both players engaging directly every possession and timeout, making it a dynamic and ongoing athletic duel.
Howard, selected as the first overall pick in 2022 by the Atlanta Dream, mirrors Clark’s aggressive tendencies—fearless drives to the basket, precise shooting, and tenacious defense—heightening the stakes whenever the two face off. Unlike the off-the-court friction with Reese, Howard and Clark maintain a respectful relationship outside the arena, often displaying camaraderie before games while fiercely competing during play.
Wilson C remarked,
What makes stories like this so good for the league is that both of them off the court seem like genuine friends, and they are often seen joking around pregame. But once the sneakers lace up, you can tell that it’s all business. Stories like this show that the W is not full of hate; it’s just pure competition.
This sentiment underscores the professionalism and intensity that drive their interactions.
Clark’s Impressive Season Highlights and Growing Rivalry Narrative
Clark’s statistical achievements through the 2025 season confirm her status as one of the league’s premier players, averaging 19.0 points, 9.3 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game, and routinely flirting with triple-doubles. Memorable performances include three career triple-doubles: a 19-13-12 outing versus Liberty in July 2024, a 24-10-10 game against the Sparks in September 2024, and a 20-10-10 performance in a recent contest featuring Angel Reese’s team.
Though these milestones are significant, the emerging rivalry with Howard introduces a compelling new storyline. Each game gains added significance as fans and analysts anticipate how their contrasting abilities will play out—Clark’s vision and step-back shooting against Howard’s relentless defense and powerful finishes.
Wilson C’s evaluation captures this thrilling juxtaposition: a battle fueled by mutual respect and competitive edge, creating an excitement that eclipses earlier narratives about Reese and Clark’s historic clashes.
The Upcoming Rematch Fuels Anticipation in the WNBA Community
The Fever and the Dream are set to meet again on June 10 in Atlanta, a matchup already marked on the calendars of fans eager for the next chapter of the Clark-Howard rivalry. With momentum building, this confrontation promises to deliver intense competition and provide a fresh focal point for WNBA storytelling throughout the season.
As the league continues to develop compelling rivalries, the showdown between Caitlin Clark and Rhyne Howard exemplifies the passion and skill that contribute to the sport’s growing popularity and excitement.