Since Steph Curry revolutionized the NBA landscape nearly a decade ago, numerous players have been hyped up as the next Steph Curry. Names like Trae Young from the Hawks, Jordan Poole formerly of the Warriors and now with the Wizards, Damian Lillard, and Tyrese Haliburton, among many others, have been mentioned with great hope. Yet the stark reality is that none have truly approached the towering standard set by Wardell Stephen Curry. In basketball discussions, suggesting they’re even in the same stratosphere as the iconic number 30 borders on disrespect—that’s how big the gap is.

Recently, however, a new sensation has emerged in the WNBA named Caitlin Clark, who has quickly earned the captivating nickname, the “female Steph Curry.” This label isn’t just media hype; MVP-caliber NBA players are also singing the same tune.

So, what is it about Caitlin Clark that has her even exceeding stars like Trae Young and Damian Lillard when it comes to being compared with Steph? Let me tell you, it goes far beyond the three-point shot.

Clark’s style of play involves more than just making threes. She excels in pick-and-roll situations, makes tough shots, and is a great passer. Nowadays, hitting a three-pointer has become so commonplace that everyone shrugs it off as nothing special and thinks they’re a basketball superstar. Whether in the NBA or the WNBA, many players can effortlessly knock down shots from beyond the perimeter, a skill now embedded in their basic training regimen from a young age.

However, not all three-pointers are created equal. What sets Caitlin Clark apart from 99.9% of good three-point shooters is the remarkable distance of her shots and the unique way she executes them. Just like Steph, Caitlin becomes a threat the moment she crosses the half-court line. Her unpredictable, quick-trigger shooting makes her nearly impossible to guard, embodying the very essence of what makes Steph Curry, Steph Curry.

Caitlin Clark’s comparisons to Steph Curry and her fame stem from the fact that her three-point shots are far from ordinary. From a fan’s perspective, they are infinitely more thrilling and captivating. While hitting regular three-pointers is fantastic, logo threes, off-the-dribble threes, and logo threes with a defender in your face generate far more excitement than standard threes ever could.

But it’s not just the distance and style of her shots; it’s also the sheer volume and the significant impact they have on the game. For example, Lexi Brown, who was a solid college player, averaged 19 points per game on 5.6 three-point attempts, shooting nearly 40% from the field. However, Caitlin’s stats dwarf these numbers. In her fourth year, Caitlin scored nearly 32 points per game and took 13.6 three-point attempts per game with slightly better efficiency than Brown. The volume, impact, and quality of Caitlin’s three-pointers place her in an entirely different universe, which is precisely why she’s drawing Steph Curry comparisons.

Another reason Caitlin Clark is often dubbed the female Steph Curry is that defenses approach guarding them in almost the same way. Over the years, Steph Curry has dominated teams in pick-and-roll situations so thoroughly that defenses are forced to blitz him and get the ball out of his hands. This strategy often results in a four-on-three advantage for the Warriors. Similarly, in the WNBA, teams blitz Caitlin in the pick-and-roll just as they do with Steph. According to one analysis, Caitlin Clark is blitzed more than any other player in the league, creating four-on-three opportunities for her teammates just like Steph.

Furthermore, Caitlin Clark has surpassed Steph Curry’s NCAA three-point record. In 2008, Steph Curry shocked the NCAA world by sinking 162 three-pointers in a single season, setting a record many deemed nearly unbreakable. In 2024, Caitlin Clark not only surpassed Taylor Pierce’s 2019 record but also eclipsed Steph Curry’s legendary 2008 record by netting an incredible 211 threes in a single season. This unprecedented feat in both women’s and men’s collegiate basketball speaks volumes about her talent.

Caitlin Clark’s transformative impact on the league is also reminiscent of Steph Curry’s influence on the NBA. From 2001 to 2014, the NBA experienced gradual growth, but in 2015, everything changed. The NBA began experiencing exponential growth, largely attributed to Steph Curry’s extraordinary shooting ability. Similarly, Caitlin Clark is having a significant impact on the WNBA. From 2021 to 2023, the WNBA experienced steady growth, but since Caitlin entered the scene in 2024, the league has seen a surge in viewership and popularity.

Both Steph Curry and Caitlin Clark faced criticism as they ascended in their respective leagues. Steph faced cold shoulders and criticism despite his monumental achievements. Caitlin, on the other hand, faced considerable animosity even before entering the WNBA. Once she joined the league, the attacks escalated from verbal to physical. Despite these challenges, Caitlin, like Steph, maintains a humble and respectful demeanor, representing their sport and league with exceptional class.

From her on-court prowess to her off-court demeanor, Caitlin Clark embodies the spirit and style of Steph Curry. This is why they call her the female Steph Curry. Her unique contributions to the game, coupled with her remarkable talent and humility, make her a transformative figure in women’s basketball, much like Steph Curry in the NBA.

Are you curious about how Caitlin Clark is rescuing the WNBA from its own challenges? Stay tuned for more updates and insights on her incredible journey and impact on the league.