Isiah Thomas, the legendary Detroit Pistons point guard, has ignited a debate by suggesting that Caitlin Clark, the standout player for Iowa women’s college basketball, could rival the shooting prowess of NBA stars Stephen Curry and WNBA sensation Sabrina Ionescu.
“Neither one of them are the greatest shooters, because right now that Caitlin Clark, that’s who I wanna see. Bring Caitlin in… Put 22 from Iowa in this competition, she’s the real deal. She takes the throne.”
.@realgranthill33 is going with Sabrina tomorrow night 🔥@IsiahThomas believes Caitlin Clark can hold her own against Steph & Sabrina 👀
Who ya got between Steph vs. Sabrina 🤔 pic.twitter.com/wczF5aAmnP
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 16, 2024
Thomas’s bold statement came in the wake of Clark’s historic performance, where she became the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball.
Acknowledging the upcoming three-point contest between Curry and Ionescu at the NBA All-Star weekend, Thomas proposed an intriguing scenario: pitting Caitlin Clark against both of them in a shooting competition. He asserted that neither Curry nor Ionescu are the greatest shooters, hinting at Clark’s exceptional shooting abilities.
Clark’s reputation as an elite shooter is well-founded, considering her remarkable performances and prolific scoring during her tenure with Iowa women’s basketball. With her impressive shooting prowess and ability to deliver under pressure, she has captured the attention of basketball enthusiasts and earned accolades for her remarkable achievements on the court.
The possibility of witnessing Clark compete against Curry or Ionescu in a shooting contest underscores the excitement surrounding her journey and the potential for groundbreaking moments in women’s basketball.
Clark is on fire this season, averaging a remarkable 32.8 points per game, ranking first in the NCAA for women’s basketball. She also contributes 6.9 rebounds and an impressive 8.5 assists per contest. From beyond the arc, she’s a threat too, shooting 39.9% from three (4th in the Big Ten) and ranking 6th all-time in NCAA history with 490 made three-pointers.
But her scoring prowess doesn’t stop there. Caitlyn recently broke the NCAA record for most career points (3,559) and is only the sixth player ever to reach 1,000 career assists
As Clark continues to elevate her game and garner widespread recognition, she emerges as a transformative figure who could redefine perceptions and inspire future generations of basketball players, both male and female.
We Are Now Truly Seeing The Impact Of Stephen Curry
Before 2009, the three-point line existed, but it was largely considered a gimmick. Teams averaged a measly 7.4 attempts per game, a number reminiscent of an afterthought rather than a strategic weapon.
Enter Stephen Curry, a skinny kid from Davidson College with an unorthodox jump shot and an unwavering confidence in the three-ball. Drafted 7th by the Golden State Warriors, Curry wasn’t supposed to be a game-changer, but he defied expectations. He rained threes, shattering records and mesmerizing audiences with his deep range and pinpoint accuracy.
The impact was immediate. Golden State Warriors, a perennial loser, began winning, and Curry’s infectious enthusiasm for the three spread like wildfire. Teams saw the light. By 2010, attempts per game jumped to 10.1, doubling in one year. It didn’t stop there. The rise continued every season, and by 2016, teams averaged a whopping 24.2 attempts per game, nearly four times the pre-Curry era. Today, the average sits at a staggering 34.6 attempts per game, with some teams launching over 40 per night.
But the revolution isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the space created, the faster pace, and the analytical approach to shot selection. Curry’s success normalized the three, encouraging players of all sizes and skill sets to shoot from deep. It empowered smaller, quicker guards, making them even more valuable. Teams now prioritize spacing and ball movement, exploiting the defensive breakdowns the three-ball creates.
Caitlin Clark heralded as a shooter of the next generation, recently etched her name into NCAA history by breaking the all-time scoring record with a jaw-dropping near-half-court three-pointer.
This remarkable feat not only highlights her individual talent but also speaks to the influence and impact of Stephen Curry on the evolution of basketball.
Curry’s legacy transcends statistics. He popularized a style of play that’s thrilling to watch and has fundamentally changed the game. He inspired a generation of young players, from Caitlin Clark to Trae Young to countless kids on playgrounds around the world, all dreaming of emulating his magic. The three-point line is no longer an afterthought. It’s the lifeblood of the modern NBA, and Stephen Curry is undoubtedly its architect.
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