The Golden State Warriors offseason has been full of storylines, but one of the more lighthearted moments of the week came from an unlikely source. Stephen Curry has spent the better part of two decades building one of the most recognizable brands in basketball. His reach extends well beyond the NBA, and a recent exchange with ESPN made that clear.
WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark was asked by ESPN’s Malika Andrews a straightforward question. If she could play 1-on-1 against any NBA player, who would it be?
Her answer landed on one of the most recognizable names in the sport.
Clark Names Curry as Her Dream 1-on-1 Matchup
GettyStephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.
Clark kept it simple. She said: “I would get killed by every NBA player, but … Steph Curry.”
It is a fun answer that makes complete sense. Curry is one of the few NBA players whose game translates beyond the sport itself. His shooting ability, his footwork, and the sheer joy he plays with have made him a crossover figure in a way few players ever achieve. Clark operates with that same energy in the WNBA, and the mutual appreciation between the two leagues’ brightest stars feels natural.
Curry has been a consistent supporter of the WNBA throughout his career. He competed against New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu in the first-ever NBA vs. WNBA 3-Point Challenge at the 2024 All-Star Saturday Night, a moment that generated significant attention and brought both leagues closer together.
Caitlin: “Well I would get killed by every NBA player but…Steph Curry.”
Malika: “I thought you were gonna say Payton Pritchard.”
😭😭😭😭
Clark’s Journey to This Point
GettyCaitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever.
Clark arrived in the WNBA with more buzz than any player in league history. She came off a record-breaking career at the University of Iowa and immediately became the face of the league. Her sophomore professional season did not go as planned. She was limited to 13 games with the Indiana Fever. Left quad and groin injuries slowed her down, followed by an ankle bone bruise that ended her year early.
When healthy, Clark is the most compelling player in her league. She brings range, creativity, and competitive intensity that sets her apart. Naming Curry as her dream matchup speaks to the shared wavelength the two operate on.
Final Word for the Warriors
A 1-on-1 game between Clark and Curry is not happening. But a 3-point shootout in the mold of the Ionescu challenge is not out of the question, and the appetite for it would be enormous.
Clark picked Curry for a reason. He is the kind of player who makes everyone around him want to compete. Four championships, two MVP awards, and the all-time three-point record, and he still plays with the joy of someone who genuinely loves the game.
That has always been his gift.
Warriors’ Steph Curry Gets Major Shoutout From Caitlin Clark