Stephen Curry complained that he wasn’t playing “real basketball” after being guarded out of the game against the Charlotte Hornets, and Caitlin Clark made a request to NBA players
09:34 ET, 21 Jan 2026Updated 09:34 ET, 21 Jan 2026
Caitlin Clark wants to see Steph Curry score 12 three-pointers a game(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
WNBA star Caitlin Clark has asked NBA players to stop “grabbing” Steph Curry, claiming that fans want to see him make 12 threes per game after he was heavily guarded by the Charlotte Hornets.
Clark is a huge Curry fan, and both players have been compared for their ability to shoot from deep in tough moments. Clark was recently left in awe by Curry’s pregame warmup trick, and the Golden State Warriors star has also shown his appreciation for the WNBA player by wearing her signature Nike shoes.
Curry is often heavily guarded due to his scoring prowess, and things could get worse for the Warriors after Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending injury. However, Clark requested that players allow Curry more space after he claimed that he wasn’t playing “real basketball” during a press conference.
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During a 136-116 win over the Hornets on Saturday, Curry scored 14 points and made two of his six three-point attempts. Curry faced double coverage throughout the game, and he spoke out about being restricted.
“There’s a part of you that fights it just because it’s not real basketball,” Curry said. “But there’s also a part of it that’s flattering.
“Just knowing that you demand that much attention and also what it does to create shots for other guys on the floor. I’ve seen it all, so I know if that’s how they want to guard. It’s also funny at times just how egregious it is.”
Clark responded to Curry’s claim that it’s not “real basketball” when he’s restricted(Image: Instagram)
Clark agreed with Curry’s take but left a comedic comment on Instagram to see more action. “We want to see Steph make 12 threes a game stop grabbing him please,” Clark commented.
After beating the Hornets, the Warriors made it four wins in a row after claiming a 135-112 victory over the Miami Heat. However, it came at a cost as Butler suffered a torn ACL.
Butler will undergo surgery, and his return date remains unknown. “Obviously a gut punch on every level for Jimmy and the entire group, but I firmly believe that this is a part of the journey,” Butler’s agent Bernie Lee told ESPN in a statement.
Steph Curry has been heavily covered, limiting his scoring opportunities(Image: Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
“We can’t only expect to take the good things out of it. I’ve known for over 10 years now that Jimmy is going to win a championship before he is done. My belief in that is unwavering.”
Head coach Steve Kerr was devastated as the Warriors began to establish a winning run, but he attempted to rationalize the injury. “Well, most of all just disappointed for Jimmy,” Kerr said.
“He’s having a great year. I felt like the last couple weeks he was really at the top of his game. So for him and for us obviously, for him individually, in the middle of a really great season with a lot of possibilities, a lot of excitement with the team the way was playing,
“I just feel terrible for him that he’s going to miss the rest of the year. It’s part of the game, I know, injuries are a part of it, but it hurts for sure.”