Caitlin Clark defeated Diana Taurasi in the duos’ first matchup of the season.
Caitlin Clark‘s WNBA season did not start on the best note. The 22-year-old was welcomed with intense physical defense by the players, and Clark did not receive any support from the veterans. Diana Taurasi was one of them, as she gave Clark a ‘reality check’ of playing in the professional league. Now, it seems like the rookie is growing on the legend, as Taurasi had high praise for Clark.
Diana Taurasi played against Caitlin Clark for the first time in the matchup between the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury. The former MVP was impressed by Clark as the guard fought in the close battle to defeat the Mercury. During the post-game press conference, Taurasi highly praised Clark, considering the work she puts in despite receiving the tough treatment.
It's amazing. What Caitlin's been able to do in her short career so far has been nothing short of remarkable. The one thing that I really love about her is she loves the game. She's put the work in.Diana Taurasi via post-game press conference
https://youtu.be/pvhPuN7MQyE
Taurasi further talked about Clark rising through the ‘pressure’ considering being the first overall pick. As Clark was struggling in her beginning days, Taurasi also applauded her improvement game after game. The three-time champion is looking forward to Clark’s bright future in the WNBA for years to come.
Diana Taurasi when asked about Caitlin Clark's impact on women's basketball:
"It's amazing. What Caitlin's been able to do in her short career so far has been nothing short of remarkable. The one thing that I really love about her … she's put the work in. Even throughout her… pic.twitter.com/LolH8ioDjS
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) June 30, 2024
Taurasi’s praise for Clark was understandable as the Fever’s star was incredible against the veteran. Clark almost scored a triple-double with 15 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds in the Fever’s win. Taurasi also praised Clark’s contribution to the Fever’s organization as the team has started winning games.
Diana Taurasi and Caitlin Clark shared a laugh during the game
Considering the pair was competing for the first time, fans had high expectations for the matchup. It seems safe to say that the game lived up to the mark and may have gone beyond it. Clark and Taurasi had incredible performances as the 42-year-old dropped 19 points while CC scored an unreal shot near the logo.
The game was extremely exciting as both the teams were going head-to-head. The score kept going back and forth until the Indiana Fever secured the victory. However, long before that, a moment caught the internet’s attention where Taurasi and Clark shared smiles together on the court. Clark was seen laughing after Taurasi approached her and said something.
All smiles for Diana Taurasi and Caitlin Clark 😃 pic.twitter.com/10asAETmdg
— ESPN (@espn) June 30, 2024
The clip delighted the WNBA fans as Clark recently revealed not receiving any advice from the other players. Now after witnessing the interaction between Clark and Taurasi and even Brittney Griner before the game, it seems that the rookie may have someone to turn to.
