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Diana Taurasi Paid Caitlin Clark Major Respect After Sunday's Game
![https://thespun.com/.image/c_fit%2Ch_800%2Cw_1200/MjA3NTI4MDYzNjAzMzIwMjYz/indiana-fever-v-phoenix-mercury.jpg](https://thespun.com/.image/c_fit%2Ch_800%2Cw_1200/MjA3NTI4MDYzNjAzMzIwMjYz/indiana-fever-v-phoenix-mercury.jpg)
06/30/2024 06:52 PM
Much was made of Diana Taurasi's comments about "reality" coming for Caitlin Clark when she entered the WNBA.
Today made it clear though that there's a tremendous amount of mutual respect between the 20-year veteran legend and the rookie sensation.
First, Taurasi and Clark shared a warm exchange before tip-off. Then, after Clark nearly posted a triple-double in the Indiana Fever's 88-82 win over Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury, the 42-year-old guard saluted the No. 1 overall pick in her postgame press conference.
"It's amazing. What Caitlin's been able to do in her short career so far has been nothing short of remarkable," Taurasi said. "The one thing that I really love about her, she loves the game. You can tell she's put the work in.
"Even throughout her short #WNBA career, it's been a lot of pressure, a lot of things thrown at her and she keeps showing up and she keeps getting better every single game. So her future is super bright."
#Mercury Diana Taurasi on Caitlin Clark after loss to Indiana #wnbapic.twitter.com/ozDuLLkvll
— jeffmetcalfe (@jeffmetcalfe) June 30, 2024
More from Taurasi on Clark: "...More importantly, she's done a lot for the Indiana Fever. A team that for the last couple of years is trying to get back to their glory days of Tamika Catchings and putting up banners. So obviously, what she's done for the game has been pretty… pic.twitter.com/VdTwpahyy9
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) June 30, 2024
Clark shot just 4-of-14 from the floor Sunday, scoring 15 points, but also dished out 12 assists and pulled in nine rebounds. She was one board shy of the first triple-double by a rookie in WNBA history.
Taurasi scored 19 points in defeat for the Mercury, who fell to 9-9 on the season.
The Fever, meanwhile, are now 8-12 and have won 7 of 11 since a 1-8 start.
Related: Caitlin Clark Has 'Classy' Admission Before Facing Diana Taurasi