Diana Taurasi Embracing Caitlin Clark Was Moment WNBA Needed

Robin Lundberg | Jul 1, 2024

Owen Ziliak/The Republic / USA TODAY

There's an old saying that goes 'real recognize real'. Said phrase was appropriate for the first-ever meeting between Diana Taurasi and Caitlin Clark, as the Indiana Fever got the best of the Phoenix Mercury.

From one generation to the next.

Our game is in good hands. pic.twitter.com/TLsx2vNPvF

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) July 1, 2024

Taurasi seemingly passed the torch in some ways, both in the way the pair interacted on the court, and with the effusive praise Diana bestowed on Caitlin after the game. "She's put the work in. Even throughout her short 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."

Caitlin Clark and Diana Taurasi 🥲🐐 pic.twitter.com/zyFbIMhVX1

— Bri Lewerke (@brilewerke) June 30, 2024

The reason this moment stood out was that it came in stark contrast to some of the discourse we've seen around the league this season. From the discussion about the infamous foul Chennedy Carter committed on Clark, to the more typical flagrant from her Chicago Sky teammate Angel Reese, to the questions Clark has been asked about her social responsibilities, to the controversy around her not making the Olympic team, to Caitlin recently saying she doesn't get advice from veterans; so much of the conversation has been spun negatively despite a record-breaking season for the WNBA. Which has been led by the star rookie.

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

All this made what Taurasi had to say even more meaningful, particularly since her previous "reality is coming" comments have been used as a measuring stick for Clark. But the reality is CC's game has been undeniable, something that was clearly recognized by DT. So while they won't be teammates at the Olympics in Paris, the acknowledgment was significant following their matchup as opponents.

A standing ovation from the Phoenix crowd as Caitlin Clark walks off following her near triple-double performance 🙌#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/9CIjDEsQUs

— WNBA (@WNBA) June 30, 2024

With a legend showing love to a future one, paving the way for positivity and the focus to be where it should be going forward...on basketball.