Diana Taurasi didn't always have the kindest things to say about Caitlin Clark.
It started during the Final Four this past April when Taurasi, a former UConn standout, said she'd take Paige Bueckers over Clark if the two were in the same draft class.
The Mercury guard sent a message directed at Clark the next day after Iowa defeated UConn. Clark was set to play South Carolina before entering the 2024 WNBA Draft.
"Reality is coming," Taurasi said. "There’s levels to this thing. And that’s just life. We all went through it. You see it on the NBA side and you’re going to see it on this side. You look superhuman playing against 18-year-olds, but you’re going to come with some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time."
Diana Taurasi on Caitlin Clark coming to WNBA "Reality is coming....you look superhuman playing against some 18 years olds but you're going to come play with some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time" pic.twitter.com/fxBxGoRZCS
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) April 6, 2024
Taurasi and Clark faced off for the first time on Sunday, June 30, and the future Hall of Famer had lots of praise for the rookie following the game.
MORE: Caitlin Clark nearly records triple-double vs. Diana Taurasi
What did Diana Taurasi say about Caitlin Clark?
Taurasi's words hold a lot of weight, especially in WNBA circles. The Mercury guard is a former MVP playing in her 20th WNBA season, has won three championships and has been an All-Star 10 times. She'll enter the Hall of Fame after retiring.
Taurasi told reporters after the game that she's been impressed with what Clark has done in her career and how hard she's worked through all the outside noise.
"It's amazing," Taurasi said. "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 is 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."
MORE: History of Diana Taurasi, Caitlin Clark beef
Taurasi also credited Clark with what she's done for the Fever. The team is far from a title contender at this stage, but Taurasi recognizes that Clark is trying to get Indiana back to its "glory days."
"So obviously, what she's done for the game has been pretty incredible and (having) that momentum coming out of college, eyes on you for four years straight," Taurasi said. "I think what she's doing for that team right now is pretty impressive."
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
Caitlin Clark vs. Diana Taurasi head-to-head stats
The rookie and veteran have only played against each other once, but here's what the head-to-head stats look like after Sunday:
| Caitlin Clark | Category | Diana Taurasi |
| 15 | Points | 19 |
| 12 | Assists | 3 |
| 9 | Rebounds | 3 |
| 0 | Steals | 3 |
| 0 | Blocks | 0 |
| 6 | Turnovers | 5 |
| 4/14 | FG | 5/14 |
| 2/10 | 3-PT FG | 2/10 |
| 5/6 | FT | 7/8 |
| 39 | Minutes played | 32 |
| 1 | Wins | 0 |
