Young versus old.
Diana Taurasi was notably succinct when asked about her upcoming game against rookie Caitlin Clark, simply remarking, “Yeah, it’ll be fun.” Her brief comment stood in contrast to the more extensive and heartfelt message that Clark had for her esteemed opponent before their Sunday afternoon matchup.
Clark, who is just starting her career in the WNBA, expressed deep admiration and respect for Taurasi, a seasoned veteran of the league.
Speaking to The Indianapolis Star, Clark shared her awe and appreciation for Taurasi’s long-standing commitment and performance in professional basketball.
“It’s incredible, I don’t think many people realize how hard that is to do,” Clark observed, reflecting on Taurasi’s two-decade career. She highlighted the dedication Taurasi has shown in maintaining her physical condition and her consistent high-level play. “Obviously, she’s done everything that she’s needed to do to continue playing at a high level. Taking care of her body, continuing to perform at the highest level.”
Clark, in her rookie year, finds Taurasi’s longevity and skill particularly inspiring, describing it as “super cool, a feat that not a lot of people will ever accomplish in their career.”
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Her admiration for Taurasi goes back to her childhood. Clark admitted, “That’s somebody I grew up idolizing and looking up to and wanting to be like one day.” She acknowledged Taurasi’s status as one of the greatest players in the history of women’s basketball, both as a phenomenal overall player and as an unparalleled scorer.
The excitement for Clark was palpable as she described the upcoming game as “almost like a dream come true.” Playing against Taurasi, whom she views as one of the best to ever play the game, was a significant personal milestone for her. “You get to live out your dream while playing against the best, or one of the best there ever has been,” she said.
The anticipation was building for the basketball community as well, with the game between Clark’s Indiana Fever and Taurasi’s Phoenix Mercury scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN. This matchup not only highlighted the generational talent of Taurasi but also marked an important moment in Clark’s burgeoning career as she faced off against her childhood hero.
