On Saturday night, Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s sensational rookie, returned from a lingering quad injury with a performance that left the basketball world buzzing. Showing no signs of rust after missing her team’s last five games, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year delivered a jaw-dropping, season-high 32 points to lead the Fever to a commanding 102-88 victory over the defending champions, the New York Liberty, who entered the game with an unblemished 9-0 record.
Clark was unstoppable from the opening tip, torching the Liberty with 11-of-20 shooting, including seven three-pointers, while adding eight rebounds, nine assists, a steal, and two blocks. Her most electrifying moment came in the first quarter when she drained three consecutive long-range triples, igniting the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse into a frenzy. The sequence showcased her limitless range and fearless shot-making, drawing immediate comparisons to one of basketball’s all-time greats.
Renowned college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale, an 86-year-old icon with decades of experience in the sport, was among those left in awe. Taking to X, Vitale shared a highlight reel of Clark’s 25-point first half, boldly likening her to Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry, widely regarded as the greatest shooter in basketball history. Vitale’s post stirred controversy with its provocative claim: “Yes @CaitlinClark22’s range is only challenged by the best shooter of all time @StephenCurry30… She led the @IndianaFever to a big Win vs the @nyliberty who were 9-0. I am in AWE!”
CAITLIN CLARK WITH BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK THREES đź’° pic.twitter.com/ZASVisSIdR
— ESPN (@espn) June 14, 2025
Vitale’s comparison sparked heated debate among fans and analysts. Clark’s back-to-back-to-back three-pointers, launched from well beyond the arc, mirrored Curry’s signature flair for long-distance shooting. The Fever star’s ability to take over the game and shift momentum with her shooting prowess drew undeniable parallels to the NBA legend. However, Vitale’s assertion that Clark’s range could rival—or even surpass—Curry’s ignited a firestorm of reactions, with some praising the bold take and others arguing it was premature to place the young WNBA star in such elite company.
As one of the most respected voices in basketball, Vitale’s high praise carries weight. His decades of expertise lend credibility to his admiration for Clark, who continues to redefine expectations in her rookie season. While the Curry comparison is a massive compliment, Clark’s performance on Saturday night—capped by her ability to dominate a championship-caliber team—suggests she’s carving out her own legacy. Whether she’s truly “more terrifying” than Curry remains a topic for debate, but one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark is a force to be reckoned with, and the basketball world is taking notice.