Stephen A. Smith Makes Bold Caitlin Clark Comparison With NBA Legend

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Liz Lindain | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 4:59 PM ET

Caitlin Clark’s competitive fire and unapologetic confidence have sparked plenty of headlines during her sophomore WNBA season. Now, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is weighing in.

In Tuesday's game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun, an altercation occurred between the Fever's star player Caitlin Clark and Sun guards Jacy Sheldon and Marina Mabrey.

During a play in the third quarter, Sheldon poked Clark in the eye, drawing a flagrant foul. Clark shoved her back in response. Then, Mabrey came from behind and forcefully shoved Clark to the ground, triggering a broader scuffle between multiple players from both teams. Both Mabrey and Clark received technical fouls.

In Wednesday's episode of "First Take," Smith and sports analyst Monica McNutt saw no issues with the ejections and techs that took place during Tuesday evening's game. Smith even compared Clark to NBA legend and former Boston Celtics player, Larry Bird, who was known as one of the best shooters in NBA history and a famous trash talker.

"She's also somebody like Larry Bird was, shooting the lights out and stuff like that," Smith said. "And we're just talking smack. Caitlin Clark is that person as well."

Stephen A. Smith talks about Caitlin Clark trash talking and compares it to Larry Bird:

"Some of it is self induced. But she's also somebody like Larry Bird was, shooting the lights out and stuff like that. And we're just talking smack. Caitlin Clark is that person as well." pic.twitter.com/vzoaZuV8HZ
— AK (@Sudharsan_AK10) June 18, 2025

The Iowa alum has been known as a trash-talker throughout her collegiate and professional basketball career, meaning she's confident in her playing abilities and vocal during games.

Clark has never been afraid of speaking up, whether it's talking back to referees or other athletes. She always backs up her attitude with game-changing performances, consistent three-pointers, rebounds and assists. Like Bird, she backs it up by dominating on the court.

While some critics have called for Clark to tone it down, Smith’s comments emphasize that great players often need that edge. And like Bird, Clark thrives in the spotlight. Plus, it makes the game more interesting for fans to watch.

The Fever will be playing against the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: