WNBA legend Diana Taurasi appeared to go from attacking mode to praising rising star Kaitlyn Clark after taking on the court with her on Sunday.
Days before the 2024 WNBA Draft in April, Taurasi dismissed Clark, childishly saying she thought it would be easy to become a star in college, but that women’s pro basketball was a whole different world.
In fact, Taurasi seemed convinced Clark would be a disappointment from the start of her WNBA career, arguing that Clark should give herself “some leeway” as she faced a learning curve.
“Reality sets in” – Taurasi Said “You look superhuman playing against 18-year-olds, but now you’re playing against grown women who have been playing professional basketball for years,” he told ESPN in early April.
She went on to praise Clark, adding, “There’s going to be a transition period as a newcomer where you have to give yourself leeway.”
Of course, it’s now well known that Clark proved to be a star player in the professional league as well, breaking WNBA records one after another immediately after her debut and attracting the largest viewership in league history.
Now, all of Taurasi’s condescending attitude towards Clark seems to have evaporated, as he is full of praise for the league’s biggest star.
After Clark and her Indiana Fever came from behind to beat Taurasi’s Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, Taurasi suddenly had a positive attitude toward Clark.
“It’s amazing what Kaitlyn has accomplished in her short career so far,” Taurasi said. Said “What I really love about her is she loves the game, and it’s obvious she works hard. … She’s under a lot of pressure, she’s faced a lot, and yet she just hustles every game and gets better and better.”
The Mercury legend added: “So her future is super bright. Looking at her as a veteran player and having been in this league for so long, it’s really great to see her looking into the future.”
Clark responded in kind, claiming that Taurasi was her “girlhood idol” and that she was excited to play against her.
“I’m really happy to win,” Clark said after the match. [Taurasi]and of course it was a really great match. The crowd was just incredible.”
Clark had 15 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds as the team cruised to a win over the Mercury.
No. 22 wasn’t the only Fever player to shine on Sunday. Aliyah Boston led the Fever with 17 points. Kelsey Mitchell and Nalyssa Smith added 16 and 12 points, respectively.
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