After a record-breaking rookie season, where she drained 122 threes—just six short of the all-time most 3-pointers in a season—Caitlin Clark was rumored to be one of the headliners for the three-point shooting contest during the NBA All-Star Weekend next month. Fans were hyped about a potential showdown between Clark and none other than Stephen Curry. But those hopes just got crushed.

While many assumed Clark simply wanted to rest before another WNBA season, TV host Rachel DeMita thinks there’s a deeper reason behind her opting out. DeMita made an interesting point, saying, “From what we have seen in her workouts and all, Caitlin seems like the type of person if she’s going to do this contest she wants to win it.”

“She seems psychotic… she seems to have that Kobe mentality. When I say psychotic, guys, I mean that as a good thing. I think any great athlete is a little bit crazy. I think Caitlin is too, but in the best way—she has that Kobe mentality,” she added.

She further explained that Clark wouldn’t just show up and hope for the best. The contest requires players to shoot off a ball rack, something we rarely see Clark doing in games. And if she isn’t fully prepared for that, she wouldn’t want to risk losing.

Turns out, DeMita wasn’t the only one thinking this way. She revealed that a friend she spoke to also pointed out that while Clark is lethal off the dribble, especially going into her left hand for deep threes, we haven’t really seen her shooting straight from a rack. And apparently, that might be the issue.

Adding to the speculation, Sports Business Journal’s Tom Friend reported earlier that Clark told the NBA she’s not interested in shooting off a ball rack at this time. 

But this year’s All-Star Weekend in San Francisco could have been a lot more exciting featuring a revamped format. Last year’s Steph Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu three-point contest was a huge hit as Chef Curry ended up scoring 29 points, while Sab put up an impressive 26.

And for 2025, the NBA had an even bigger plan. They wanted to bring together Clark, Curry, Ionescu, and Klay Thompson for a star-studded three-point contest. Fans were beyond excited…until CC reportedly decided to opt-out. But can we still hope for Curry vs Clark?

Can Curry and Caitlin Clark still face off?

Caitlin Clark vs. Stephen Curry has been a dream matchup for basketball fans. When Clark drilled her 163rd three-pointer in March last year, breaking Curry’s college record, the conversation about a potential showdown began. 

With Clark almost touching Ionescu’s record in her rookie WNBA season and Curry already in the top 5 this season with 158 in just 37 games, it would’ve been a legendary face-off. But while it seems unlikely now, there’s still a glimmer of hope. 

According to Friend’s report, there’s a scenario where Steph Curry could return the favor and participate in the WNBA’s three-point contest during the league’s All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis this summer. If that actually happens, it’ll be a historic moment for the game.

Imagine Curry taking a flight to Indianapolis and battling it out on Clark’s home court. While it’s far from confirmed, just the thought of it is enough to thrill fans.

But before that, if 2024 WNBA ROTY does end up sitting out of the NBA three-point contest this year, it’ll definitely be disappointing. For now, unless the league pulls some last-minute persuasion magic, it looks like we’ll have to wait a little longer for that epic showdown.