Amid the most recent controversy, Caitlin Clark compares herself to Steph Curry, igniting discussion over her style of play and influence on women’s basketball.

In the always-fervent world of basketball discourse, a recent comment from Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has ignited a fresh round of debate, as she reportedly compared aspects of her playing style and influence to that of NBA icon Stephen Curry. This comparison, coming amidst ongoing controversies surrounding her rookie season in the WNBA, has opened up a broader discussion about her unique impact on women’s basketball and the parallels, if any, to Curry’s revolutionary career.

Caitlin Clark, the record-breaking collegiate sensation and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has been under an unprecedented microscope since her professional debut.¹ Her collegiate career at Iowa was nothing short of historic, shattering scoring records (she became the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer, surpassing Pete Maravich) and drawing unprecedented viewership to women’s college basketball.² Her ability to consistently hit deep, logo-range three-pointers, combined with her exceptional court vision and playmaking, earned her comparisons to Stephen Curry even before she reached the pros.³

The “Caitlin Clark effect” is a documented phenomenon, driving record attendance, television ratings, and merchandise sales for both college and professional women’s basketball.⁴ Her presence alone has transformed the WNBA’s visibility, bringing in new fans and revitalizing existing ones.⁵ This level of individual impact on an entire league is precisely where the comparison to Stephen Curry finds its strongest footing.

Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ superstar, fundamentally changed the NBA with his audacious and prolific three-point shooting.⁶ Before Curry, the three-point shot was a valuable weapon; after him, it became the cornerstone of modern offensive strategy. His unparalleled range, quick release, and ability to shoot off the dribble from anywhere on the court forced defenses to adapt in ways they never had before, opening up the game for his teammates and revolutionizing offensive spacing.⁷ His influence extends beyond statistics; he reshaped how the game is played and how aspiring basketball players train.⁸

Clark’s recent comment, though not a direct claim of being Curry’s equal, reportedly alluded to the similar transformative nature of their shooting prowess and their ability to command defensive attention from extraordinary distances. She noted, according to some reports, that her deep shooting, much like Curry’s, forces defenses to extend far beyond the three-point line, creating space and opportunities for her teammates.⁹ This tactical advantage, she suggested, is a shared characteristic of their games.

Let’s dissect the stylistic and influential comparisons:

Both Clark and Curry possess an almost unparalleled ability to shoot from well beyond the traditional three-point line.¹⁰ This isn’t just about hitting shots; it’s about the threat of hitting those shots.

• Stephen Curry’s Influence: Curry’s range means defenders must pick him up almost immediately after he crosses half-court. This defensive pressure creates enormous amounts of space in the mid-range and paint for his teammates, allowing for easy cuts, drives, and pick-and-roll opportunities. His off-ball movement, constantly running defenders through screens, further exacerbates this problem for opponents. His efficiency from deep, even on highly contested shots, makes him a singular offensive force. He essentially broke the mold of how basketball offenses are designed.

• Caitlin Clark’s Parallel: Clark demonstrated this exact phenomenon throughout her collegiate career.¹¹ Her ability to pull up from 30+ feet out forced opposing defenses to guard her tightly from the moment she crossed half-court.¹² This “gravity,” as it’s often called, created wide-open lanes for her teammates to cut to the basket or find uncontested shots from closer range. In her rookie WNBA season (2024), despite the significant jump in competition, she continued to attempt, and make, a high volume of deep threes, forcing WNBA defenses to adjust.¹³ While her efficiency has been a talking point, the threat of her shot remains undeniable. Her range is indeed among the widest in women’s basketball, and she attempts an incredibly high volume of threes (averaging around 9 attempts per game in her WNBA career thus far).¹⁴

• Passing and Playmaking: Both players are exceptional passers with elite court vision. Curry, despite his scoring prowess, is an underrated playmaker who consistently finds open teammates.¹⁵ Clark, famously, led the NCAA in assists for multiple seasons and has continued to be a high-volume assist provider in the WNBA (averaging 8.5 assists per game in her career).¹⁶ Their shooting gravity opens up passing lanes that simply don’t exist for other players, allowing them to facilitate effectively.

This is where the comparison truly resonates and perhaps fuels the current “controversy.”

• Stephen Curry’s Revolution: Curry’s rise coincided with a league-wide embrace of analytics and the “three-point revolution.”¹⁷ He wasn’t just a beneficiary of this trend; he was its most prominent driver and perfect embodiment. He inspired a generation of players to expand their range and prioritize shooting.¹⁸ The economic impact, increased viewership, and global popularity of the NBA during his dynasty are inextricably linked to his revolutionary play.

• Caitlin Clark’s “Effect”: Clark’s influence on women’s basketball is undeniable and arguably unprecedented. She has brought a level of mainstream attention, financial investment, and casual viewership that the sport has long craved.¹⁹ Arenas are selling out for Fever games, TV ratings are soaring, and discussions about the WNBA are permeating popular culture in a way they haven’t before. This direct, tangible impact on viewership, attendance, and media attention is a strong parallel to how Curry elevated the NBA. She’s not just a great player; she’s a phenomenon.

The “controversy” likely stems from a few factors:

1. Direct Comparison to a GOAT: For some, comparing any current player, especially a rookie, directly to a universally acknowledged “greatest shooter of all time” like Steph Curry can be seen as premature or disrespectful. Clark herself has been humble about such comparisons, often deferring to Curry’s greatness when asked. Her recent statement might have been taken out of context or interpreted as a stronger claim than intended.
2. Gender and League Differences: While stylistic similarities exist, the WNBA is a different league with different physical demands and defensive schemes than the NBA. Critics might argue that a direct comparison of statistical impact or game-breaking ability across genders is inherently flawed, overlooking the distinct challenges and contexts of each league.
3. Rookie Struggles and Expectations: Clark’s rookie season has been a mix of flashes of brilliance and expected struggles, particularly with efficiency. While she has shown her deep range, her WNBA three-point percentage (around 34% in her short career) is not yet on par with Curry’s elite efficiency. The high turnover rate she has experienced is also a point of contention for some critics. These struggles, typical for any rookie adjusting to the professional game, can make grand comparisons feel premature to some observers.

Despite the debates, the underlying truth remains: both Caitlin Clark and Stephen Curry possess a unique, magnetic quality that transcends mere athleticism. They combine audacious skill with an undeniable entertainment factor, drawing eyes to the game and inspiring a new generation. Clark’s ability to pull up from deep, thread impossible passes, and ignite arenas with her flair has undeniable echoes of Curry’s revolutionary play.

Her impact on women’s basketball is not just about her individual statistics; it’s about the increased visibility, the growing legions of fans, and the conversations she sparks.²⁰ Whether she ultimately reaches Curry’s statistical heights or wins as many championships remains to be seen. But in terms of fundamentally altering how her sport is viewed and played, and in drawing unprecedented attention through her distinctive style, Caitlin Clark’s comparison to Stephen Curry, amidst any controversy, highlights a significant and undeniable truth about her unique place in basketball history.