Caitlin Clark praised Diana Taurasi ahead of their first WNBA game against each other

Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark and Phoenix Mercury superstar Diana Taurasi will face off for the first time on Sunday in Phoenix.

Ahead of their marquee matchup, Clark had nothing but praise for Taurasi as she prepares to play against her.

Speaking with reporters during Saturday media availability, Clark talked about Taurasi’s impressive 20-year WNBA career and how amazed she is that the Mercury veteran has been able to sustain her high level of play as she has.

“It’s incredible,” Clark said to reporters about Taurasi’s run in the WNBA. “I don’t think people realize how hard that is to do.”

Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark on #Mercury Diana Taurasi 20-year #wnba career pic.twitter.com/8Ndbn5JoLm

— jeffmetcalfe (@jeffmetcalfe) June 29, 2024

Clark said she idolized and looked up to Taurasi growing up and highlighted what a special opportunity it is to play against such a legend.

“Obviously, she’s one of the greatest players our game has ever seen, the greatest scorer our game has ever seen,” Clark said of Taurasi, adding it’s like “a dream come true. You get to live out your dream while playing against the best.”

Here was Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark’s response when asked about facing Diana Taurasi for the first time on Sunday. #WNBA #ValleyTogether #FeverRising https://t.co/cDuBDnCpwO pic.twitter.com/1JUGzApTId

— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) June 29, 2024

It’ll be fascinating to see how Clark and the Fever fare against Taurasi and the Mercury on Sunday, as there will be plenty of intrigue about how the rookie will perform against a veteran who has been quite vocal about her arrival to the WNBA.