Caitlin Clark has been turning heads in the WNBA since her debut in 2024, but her rise hasn't come without a target on her back. The Indiana Fever star has faced plenty of physical play, and now a seven-time NBA champion is stepping in with some blunt advice.
Robert Horry, who won rings with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs, recently shared his thoughts on Clark's situation. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Horry didn't mince words: he wants Clark to stand her ground.
“When you're the best, everybody wants to knock you out,” Horry said. “I think a lot of people are going after her. For me, just play the game. Some other players around the league didn't protect themselves, and the harassment went on. My best advice for her is protect yourself. Don't let nobody try to punk you.”
Horry's comments come after a season where Clark has dealt with intense physicality, including a heated exchange with Golden State Valkyries forward Tiffany Hayes a few weeks ago. While she hasn't faced any cheap shots this year, the message is clear: it's time to push back.
Drawing from his own experience, Horry recalled how his former teammate Shaquille O'Neal handled similar treatment. “Shaq got hammered. I know he's bigger and stronger than Caitlin, but he got to a point where he started fighting back. Someone elbowed him, you elbow him back.”
Clark has already shown resilience. Earlier this week, she drained a game-winner against the Washington Mystics, proving her toughness under pressure. She's averaging 18.7 points and 7.9 assists per game this season, numbers that place her among the league's elite.
But Horry's advice isn't just about scoring—it's about survival. In a league where rookies often get tested, Clark's ability to assert herself could define her career. The debate around her treatment has sparked conversations, with some analysts weighing in on whether the tension is overblown.
For now, Clark's focus remains on the court. The Fever are set to face the Chicago Sky this Thursday at 7 p.m. ET, and all eyes will be on how she responds to the physical challenge. As Horry sees it, the key is simple: “Play the game, but protect yourself.”
Whether Clark takes that advice to heart could shape the rest of her season—and her legacy in the WNBA.
