Caitlin Clark earns ultimate sign of respect from one of the NBA's GOATs

Caitlin Clark is continuing to gain the admiration from some of basketball's most legendary figures.

Following the Indiana Pacers' Game 5 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Playoffs, Hall of Fame point guard Isiah Thomas offered high praise for Clark, by comparing her influence to Tyrese Haliburton’s standout performance.

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“When he walked in, I said, ‘He’s walking in like Caitlin Clark,’” Thomas said, impressed by Haliburton’s confidence and style of play. “This is a Caitlin Clark-type of game — spreading the floor, right? Shooting it from way out there.”

Thomas went on to say he sees clear signs that Haliburton has been influenced by Clark’s game. “I think Haliburton watching Caitlin. I see a lot of her game in his game right now.”

Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, is known for her deep shooting range and court vision.

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For a legend like Isiah Thomas to reference a second-season WNBA player as a standard for excellence speaks volumes. It’s not only a testament to Clark’s growing influence in basketball but also a clear sign that the lines between the NBA and WNBA are being redrawn by elite talent.