Put her in the NBA 3-point contest: Watch Caitlin Clark nail 50 out of 54 three-point attempts during practice
Caitlin Clark: The New Face of Long-Range Shooting – A Record-Breaking Practice Session and Her Candidacy for the NBA 3-Point Contest
It’s safe to say that Caitlin Clark’s name has become synonymous with scoring, particularly when it comes to the three-point shot. The University of Iowa star, widely regarded as one of the best shooters in women’s college basketball, has captivated the sports world with her incredible range, exceptional shooting form, and fearless approach to the game. Her performances have made headlines, but a recent practice session went beyond the ordinary. In front of a handful of trainers, cameras, and a few lucky onlookers, Clark hit 50 out of 54 three-pointers, a remarkable display of precision that begs the question: Could Caitlin Clark compete in the NBA 3-point contest?
The Scene: A Record-Breaking Practice Session
It’s an unseasonably chilly morning in Iowa City, but Caitlin Clark is undeterred by the cold. Inside a state-of-the-art training facility, she’s alone on the court, save for a few coaches and trainers. The sounds of sneakers squeaking on the hardwood and the satisfying swoosh of basketballs hitting the net reverberate in the empty arena.
Clark’s reputation as a sharpshooter has preceded her. Known for her deep, confident threes and her ability to hit shots from distances other players wouldn’t dare to attempt, Clark’s practice routine has become the stuff of legend. However, what she does in this particular session goes beyond mere hype. In an effort to test her skills and further perfect her shooting, Caitlin Clark begins a series of three-point attempts that would leave even NBA sharpshooters in awe.
The objective: hit as many of 54 consecutive three-point shots as possible, using a mix of spot shooting from various angles—something not too dissimilar from the format of the NBA 3-point contest. The result: 50 out of 54. Yes, you read that correctly. 50 successful shots, each one a thing of beauty, her form immaculate as the ball effortlessly arcs through the air before swishing through the net.
Breaking Down the Performance: A New Benchmark in Shooting
Let’s pause and break this incredible performance down. The NBA 3-point contest consists of five racks, each with five balls, and one special “money ball” that’s worth two points. The players have 70 seconds to complete their shooting, which translates to an average of about 20 shots in that time. For comparison, hitting 50 out of 54 shots in a practice session would easily translate into a score of around 47-48 out of 50 if Caitlin Clark were to compete in an NBA 3-point contest, even with the added challenge of limited time.
To say the numbers are staggering is an understatement.
Clark’s performance didn’t just highlight her consistency—though that was on full display—but also her ability to perform under pressure. Even though this was a practice session, the psychological edge she showed in repeatedly sinking 50 out of 54 shots is a testament to her composure. Her shooting form is remarkably fluid: her release is quick, her follow-through impeccable, and there’s an effortless rhythm to each shot she takes.
What truly sets Clark apart, though, is her range. There’s no question that women’s college basketball has evolved significantly in terms of shooting distance, but Caitlin Clark has elevated that evolution to new heights. Her ability to sink shots from well beyond the NBA arc—while still maintaining perfect shooting mechanics—sets a new standard for shooting in any setting.
Comparing Caitlin Clark to NBA Shooters
While Clark’s shooting performance in the practice session is enough to make any basketball fan’s jaw drop, comparing her to NBA players provides more context. The current NBA 3-point contest features some of the best shooters in the world, including legends like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and more recently, players like Buddy Hield, and Trae Young. So, how does Caitlin Clark stack up?
Firstly, let’s talk about Curry, often regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history. His consistency in the 3-point contest and during regular games is legendary. But what makes Clark’s practice performance even more impressive is the fact that she is still in college, not yet facing the defensive pressure and pace of the NBA. Imagine her facing NBA-level competition while still maintaining that same form and accuracy. It would be a tall task, but Clark’s skill set and performance suggest she could hold her own in an NBA-level competition.
When you break it down by pure shooting statistics, Clark’s numbers are hard to ignore. Over the course of her collegiate career, she has maintained an impressive shooting percentage from deep. For comparison, the top shooters in the NBA typically hover around 40% on 3-pointers. Caitlin Clark has demonstrated she can not only shoot efficiently but also do so from distances where most players would be considered reckless for even attempting.
The level of difficulty Clark faces in women’s college basketball is different, of course, but her execution is undeniably NBA-caliber.
The Case for Caitlin Clark in the NBA 3-Point Contest
Could Caitlin Clark compete in an NBA 3-point contest? The idea might seem far-fetched at first, but when you consider her performance in practice, her overall shooting ability, and the fact that we’re seeing more crossover between the men’s and women’s games, it’s a compelling case.
The NBA has become more inclusive in recent years. Women have appeared in NBA All-Star weekend events before, including the Rising Stars Challenge, where Team USA players such as Sabrina Ionescu have showcased their skills. If the NBA were to extend an invitation to Caitlin Clark for a 3-point contest, it wouldn’t be as much of a novelty as some might think. It would be a celebration of women’s basketball and an acknowledgment of the players who are pushing the game to new heights.
Furthermore, Clark’s appearance in such an event would also help bridge the gap between men’s and women’s basketball in a meaningful way. It would highlight the extraordinary talents of women athletes and inspire future generations to follow in her footsteps.
Why Caitlin Clark Could Change the Game
Caitlin Clark has the ability to change the landscape of the game as we know it. Her incredible three-point shooting ability isn’t just a product of hard work; it’s a manifestation of an athlete who is constantly challenging the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether it’s sinking 50 out of 54 in practice or draining game-winning shots from 30 feet, Clark’s abilities are unmatched in the women’s game and arguably at the level of some of the best NBA shooters.
While her current focus is on collegiate success, as she leads Iowa to national titles and further solidifies her legacy in women’s basketball, Caitlin Clark’s impact extends beyond the confines of the NCAA. Her willingness to embrace long-range shooting as an art form could be the catalyst for even more exciting changes in the future of basketball. The 3-point line will likely become even more prominent in both the men’s and women’s games, and Clark’s success has set a new precedent.
A Future in the NBA?
As Caitlin Clark’s career progresses, it’s natural to wonder where her journey will take her. Would she one day entertain the idea of playing in the NBA? While Clark is committed to college basketball for the time being, the prospect of seeing her compete on the biggest stage of all is tantalizing. Given the growing recognition of women’s basketball and its increasing popularity, perhaps it won’t be too long before we see her testing her skills against some of the best in the world, in the NBA’s most prestigious 3-point contest.
In the meantime, Caitlin Clark’s legacy as a trailblazer for the women’s game continues to grow. If this recent practice session is any indication, her shooting abilities are poised to elevate her career to even greater heights.
