Michael Jordan’s rival gives 2-word response to Caitlin Clark fan query

By John Ezekiel Hirro

Modified Aug 23, 2024 09:41 GMT

Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas, widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, offered high praise for Caitlin Clark when asked about the Indiana Fever rookie’s game.

Thomas, a two-time NBA champion and 12-time All-Star, had nothing but positive words for Caitlin Clark.

A fan inquired, “Point guard to point guard, what do you think of Caitlin Clark’s game?”

Thomas responded succinctly:

“Straight 100.”

Thomas, known as one of the best point guards ever, played 13 seasons in the NBA, making the All-Star team in 12 of them. He averaged 19.2 points, 9.3 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game over his 979-game career.

Clark’s numbers are strikingly similar, with averages of 17.8 points, 8.3 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game so far.

Clark’s playmaking skills have been exceptional, breaking a 26-year-old WNBA record set by Ticha Penicheiro, who had 224 assists in 30 games with the Sacramento Monarchs in 1998.

Clark surpassed that with 232 assists after just 28 WNBA games, during a win against the Seattle Storm.

Caitlin Clark and the Fever’s schedule as WNBA regular season nears end

Through 28 games, the Indiana Fever have a 13-15 record, placing them seventh in the league standings. Ahead of them are the 15-14 Phoenix Mercury, led by Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner and Kahleah Copper, while the 11-16 Chicago Sky, led by Angel Reese, are right behind them.

Although currently in a playoff position, the Fever are closely followed by the Atlanta Dream, who sit ninth with a 10-17 record.

The Fever have 12 games remaining in the season, with the next five taking place over a grueling nine-day span against strong teams like the Minnesota Lynx, Atlanta Dream, Connecticut Sun and Chicago Sky. Only the game against the Sun will be at home.

After that tough stretch, they’ll benefit from six consecutive home games against the LA Sparks, Lynx, Dream, the Aces twice and the Dallas Wings.

Their regular season will conclude on Sept. 19 against the Washington Mystics.

The Fever have turned their season around after losing their first five games, now hitting their stride by winning 12 of their last 19 games.

WNBA legend Sue Bird recently praised Caitlin Clark and the Fever, saying they could be a playoff threat because of their ability to play fast.

“I think what I've learned in my WNBA experience is that the pace of play trumps physicality. It trumps size. It can trump experience. Because a lot of times when you're experienced, it's really like code word for you’re a veteran, which is code for old,” she said in the “A Touch More” podcast.

“And what I see in Caitlin, what I see in Kelsey Mitchell, they're just like ramming it down people's throats. And it's really hard; it can have your head spinning.”

Since their last loss to the Dallas Wings in July before the Olympic break, the Fever have remained unbeaten.