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Paul Pierce Calls Reggie Miller's Caitlin Clark Comparison an 'Embarrassment'
Celtics legend disputes NBA analyst's assessment of WNBA star's game
Feb. 2, 2026 at 2:23pm
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Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce criticized Reggie Miller's comparison of WNBA star Caitlin Clark to Celtics player Payton Pritchard, calling it an "embarrassment." Pierce argued that Clark's game is more similar to that of NBA superstar Steph Curry due to her "magnetic pull" and the way defenses have to game plan for her, unlike Pritchard.
Why it matters
The comparison between Clark and Pritchard sparked a lot of debate on social media, with many feeling it did not properly capture Clark's elite-level talent and impact. As one of the WNBA's rising stars, how Clark is perceived and analyzed by NBA analysts is significant for growing the women's game.
The details
During NBC's Basketball Night in America broadcast, Miller compared Clark's game to that of Celtics guard Payton Pritchard, citing their ball-handling skills and ability to make big shots. However, Pierce strongly disagreed with the assessment, arguing that Clark's game is more akin to Curry's due to the defensive attention she commands. Pierce noted that Clark is "face guarded" and "denied" by defenses in a way that Pritchard is not, highlighting her "gravitational pull" similar to Curry's in the NBA.
- On February 2, 2026, Reggie Miller made the Caitlin Clark-Payton Pritchard comparison during NBC's NBA broadcast.
- On February 2, 2026, Paul Pierce responded to Miller's comparison on his show "No Fouls Given."
The players
Paul Pierce
A former Boston Celtics player and NBA legend who is now a basketball analyst.
Reggie Miller
A former NBA player and current basketball analyst for NBC.
Caitlin Clark
A rising star in the WNBA who plays for the Indiana Fever.
Payton Pritchard
A guard for the Boston Celtics.
Steph Curry
A superstar player in the NBA who plays for the Golden State Warriors.
What they’re saying
“This is an embarrassment.”
— Paul Pierce, NBA Legend
“I was thinking more Steph Curry because of her skillset and her magnetic pull.”
— Paul Pierce, NBA Legend
“They're not doubling him everywhere, face guarding, denying him like they do her, like they do Steph. Did you see her in the USA game in the Olympic game where they were like deny, they're picking her up full.”
— Paul Pierce, NBA Legend
“Her gravitational pull is on the same level as Steph's in the WNBA.”
— Paul Pierce, NBA Legend
What’s next
The comparison between Caitlin Clark and Payton Pritchard is likely to continue being a topic of discussion, with analysts and fans weighing in on the merits of the comparison. It remains to be seen if Reggie Miller or other analysts will further address Pierce's critique.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the importance of accurate and thoughtful analysis when comparing elite players, especially across different leagues and genders. As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, how its stars are perceived and discussed by NBA analysts will be crucial for elevating the women's game.
