Shaquille O’Neal explains his advice to Clark
Shaquille O’Neal said Caitlin Clark should respond more visibly when opponents challenge her physically in the WNBA. The four-time NBA champion described that treatment as part of a rite of passage for prominent players.
O’Neal called Clark tough but said she could show more outward defiance. He pointed to Angel Reese’s vocal and physical approach as an example of making it clear that opponents do not intimidate her.
Shaquille O’Neal cites jealousy
O’Neal said some opponents may feel professional jealousy because Clark receives extensive attention. He argued that players naturally challenge whoever receives the strongest media praise and is widely regarded as one of the league’s best.
His point was not that Clark lacks ability or courage. O’Neal called her tough and predicted that continued strong performances would eventually leave critics with little choice but to accept her success.
Shaquille O’Neal calls it a rite
O’Neal described Clark’s experience as a rite of passage shared by major sports stars. He said talented newcomers rarely take over immediately, simply because media attention places them above established professional competitors.
In another interview, O’Neal said Clark needs to toughen up and show that physical treatment does not affect her. He compared that process with the challenges faced by Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
Angel Reese becomes O’Neal’s example
Angel Reese became O’Neal’s example because of her openly physical and vocal approach. He said Reese lets opponents know she is not intimidated, while Clark could display more of that same outward response.
O’Neal’s comparison carries personal context because both have LSU ties. Reese has described him as a mentor and father figure, and O’Neal became a public supporter and mentor during her rise at LSU before continuing to advise her after she entered the WNBA.
Caitlin Clark posts strong 2026 numbers
Clark is averaging 21.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 8.2 assists through Indiana’s Aug. 11 game, continuing a productive third professional season.
Indiana improved to 21-12 by beating New York 106-92 on Aug. 11. Clark scored 22 points and recorded 10 assists during the Fever’s home victory.
Caitlin Clark climbs Fever scoring list
Clark reached 1,589 career points during the Chicago victory, moving into Indiana’s top 10 in franchise scoring. She also recorded her ninth points and assists double-double of the 2026 season.
The WNBA rescinded Clark’s technical foul after the game. The ruling would have been her eighth technical of the season, which would have triggered an automatic one-game suspension under league rules.
Caitlin Clark owns major rookie honors
Clark won the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award after receiving 66 of 67 votes. She averaged 19.2 points and a league-leading 8.4 assists across all 40 regular-season games.
Clark’s 2025 season ended after a right groin injury and a later bone bruise during recovery. She appeared in 13 games, averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds.
Caitlin Clark returns strongly in 2026
Clark returned in 2026 as one of Indiana’s leading scorers and passers after her shortened 2025 season. The Fever reached 20 wins by August 8 while remaining firmly positioned in the playoff race.
O’Neal’s advice focuses on Clark’s visible response rather than changing her basketball skills. He wants her to show opponents that physical pressure and confrontation will not change how she approaches competition.
Caitlin Clark asks for protection
Clark called for improved officiating and better player protection after a June 24 game against Phoenix. She said the league needed to invest more in officiating, technology, and support for referees.
The WNBA later assessed Alyssa Thomas a Flagrant Foul 2 and a one-game suspension for contact with Clark. O’Neal separately described physical challenges faced by prominent players as a rite of passage.
Caitlin Clark and Reese share history
Clark and Reese drew national attention during their college careers. LSU defeated Iowa 102-85 in the 2023 national championship, while Iowa won the 2024 Elite Eight rematch 94-87 behind Clark’s 41 points.
The 2024 rematch averaged 12.3 million viewers and peaked at 16.1 million. At that time, it became the most-watched college basketball game, men’s or women’s, ever shown on ESPN platforms.
Fun fact: Clark became the first WNBA rookie to record a triple-double, posting 19 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds against New York in 2024.
Angel Reese rejects rivalry talk
Reese has rejected claims of personal hostility between herself and Clark. She said they competed against each other during AAU basketball and later described their relationship as competitive rather than personally hostile.
O’Neal’s comparison focused on playing style rather than their relationship. He highlighted Reese’s vocal confidence and physical approach while saying Clark could make her own resistance to pressure more visible.
Caitlin Clark keeps producing
Clark scored 26 points and recorded 11 assists against Chicago on August 8, helping Indiana improve to 20-12. She also made five 3-pointers during the Fever’s 90-86 road victory.
Indiana was scheduled to host New York on August 11 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Clark remained eligible for the game after the WNBA rescinded the technical foul she received against Chicago.
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Shaquille O’Neal separates two issues
O’Neal’s message distinguishes Clark’s ability from her display of toughness. He already considers her highly skilled but believes showing stronger outward resistance would make her response to physical play clearer during WNBA competition.
Clark is averaging 21.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 8.2 assists through Aug. 11. Indiana improved to 21-12 with a 106-92 win over New York, keeping the Fever above .500 and firmly in the playoff race.
Angel Reese’s gesture drew attention, but WNBA officials chose not to take action. Dive into what happened, why the league stayed out of it, and how fans reacted to the decision.
Do you agree with Shaquille O’Neal that Caitlin Clark should respond more openly to physical play, or should she keep letting her basketball speak for itself? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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