Shaquille O’Neal recently expressed his admiration for WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark, likening her long-range shooting ability to that of NBA star Stephen Curry. Speaking on Angel Reese’s podcast Unapologetically Angel, O’Neal highlighted Clark’s deep three-point shooting as a skill rarely seen in the women’s game, comparable to Curry’s unique shooting style, which has revolutionized basketball.
In his conversation with Reese, O’Neal marveled at Clark’s ability to consistently knock down shots from long distance, even calling her performances unprecedented. “Why do people love Caitlin Clark?” O’Neal asked. Reese responded, “She can hit threes from the logo.” Shaq agreed enthusiastically, explaining, “We’ve never seen that before—just like with Steph. He doesn’t have the physical build of someone like LeBron, but he’s doing things nobody expected. And now Caitlin is doing that in the WNBA.”
Clark’s standout rookie season with the Indiana Fever has drawn widespread attention, earning her the league’s Rookie of the Year award and setting records along the way. O’Neal acknowledged that although other players have displayed moments of brilliance from long range, Clark stands out because of her consistency. Her ability to sink clutch shots under pressure, especially in key games like the NCAA Final Four, solidifies her status as a game-changer. “When I watched that Final Four game, I kept thinking, ‘She won’t hit that shot,’ and then bam, she did—again and again,” O’Neal admitted.
Clark’s influence is not limited to individual accolades; her play has drawn new fans to the WNBA, much like Curry’s impact on the NBA’s growing global fan base. Fever games featuring Clark have seen higher viewership, boosting the league’s visibility and cementing her role as a rising star in women’s basketball. Her consistent performances and fearless shooting have earned her comparisons not just to Curry but to some of the biggest names in the sport.
Through O’Neal’s praise, it’s clear that Clark’s impact goes beyond her skills on the court. Like Curry, she is changing perceptions and proving that exceptional talent can come in unexpected forms. As Clark continues to push the boundaries of the game, her success is a testament to the growing potential and excitement surrounding women’s basketball today.
