Angel Reese reacts to Fever preseason win with message to rising rookie Raven Johnson

A rivalry that turned into respect

Reese and Johnson didn’t build their relationship as teammates. Their history goes back to intense college matchups, where they frequently found themselves on opposite sides of high-stakes games. What started as competition has clearly evolved into something more personal.

Moments like this show how much that respect has grown. Reese has consistently supported Johnson’s career milestones, including her transition to the WNBA, and this latest message continues that trend.

Clark returns, but the bigger picture emerges

Clark’s return was still a major storyline. The Fever guard played her first game in nearly 10 months after a groin injury cut short her 2025 season. She finished with seven points on 2-of-10 shooting, along with four assists and no turnovers in 17 minutes. It wasn’t a dominant performance, but it didn’t need to be. The bigger takeaway for Indiana was balance. The Fever didn’t rely on Clark to carry the load, and contributions from players like Johnson showed just how much depth this roster may have.

That’s what made Reese’s reaction so telling. Around the league, players are already noticing.

What this means going forward

Preseason games rarely carry long-term weight, but this one felt different. The Fever didn’t just get Clark back. They may have found another playmaker who can elevate everyone around her. If Johnson’s debut is any indication, Indiana’s ceiling might be higher than expected.

And if opposing stars like Reese are already taking notice, that attention isn’t going away anytime soon.