Diana Taurasi earned criticism from sports activities followers earlier than the beginning of the 2024 WNBA season when she warned Caitlin Clark that “actuality” was coming.
After Clark sparked the Indiana Fever’s comeback victory in opposition to the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, Taurasi had nothing however reward for the rookie sharpshooter who practically had a triple-double of their matchup.
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Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Indiana Fever, and Diana Taurasi, #3 of the Phoenix Mercury, smile through the recreation on June 30, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix. (Kate Frese/NBAE by way of Getty Images)
“It’s wonderful what Caitlin’s been capable of do in her brief profession to date,” Taurasi advised reporters via ESPN. “The one factor that I actually love about her, she loves the sport. You can inform she’s put the work in. … It’s been numerous strain, numerous issues thrown at her, and she or he retains exhibiting up and retains getting higher each single recreation.
“So, her future is tremendous brilliant, and being a veteran and being on this league for an extended, very long time, it’s fairly cool to see that and go into the longer term.”
The ESPN broadcast confirmed Clark and Taurasi speaking on the court docket a number of occasions. Clark known as Taurasi her childhood idol.
Diana Taurasi, #3 of the Phoenix Mercury, seems to be on through the recreation in opposition to the Indiana Fever on June 30, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix. (Kate Frese/NBAE by way of Getty Images)
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“I’m simply joyful we gained,” Clark advised ESPN’s Christine Williamson. “It was cool to play in opposition to [Taurasi], and clearly a extremely nice recreation. This crowd was completely unimaginable.”
Clark completed with 15 factors, 12 assists and 9 rebounds within the win. Her 3-pointer with 5:48 left within the third quarter minimize the deficit to 5 factors. The help to Kristy Wallace saved the Mercury’s lead at 5.
Kelsey Mitchell additionally gave Indiana a much-needed increase. Mitchell’s jumper to take the lead with 36 seconds left proved to be the distinction maker. She completed with 16 factors.
Guard Diana Taurasi, #3 of the Phoenix Mercury, drives in opposition to guard Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Indiana Fever, through the fourth quarter at Footprint Center on June 30, 2024 in Phoenix. (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
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Aliyah Boston led the Fever with 17 factors. She had eight rebounds and 4 assists as properly.
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