It’s a “reality check” for Diana Taurasi! The veteran WNBA star felt humbled when her team narrowly lost to Indiana Fever. Earlier this year, she threw shade at rookies, warning them that “reality is coming” in the upcoming matches. However, her target was one rookie in particular: Caitlin Clark.

Taurasi pointed out the difference between the rookies and the pros, stating, “There’s levels to this thing… you’re going to see it on this side where 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.”

Fast forward to the Sunday matchup where the Phoenix Mercury, led by Taurasi, faced off against the Indiana Fever — Clark’s team. This wasn’t just any game but the first-ever meeting between the veteran and the highly touted rookie points guard. The energy and hype were massive, and Coach Deion Sanders couldn’t contain his excitement, either. He said on his X handle, “@WNBA @dianataurasi is HER!!!”

Deion Sanders’s love for the WNBA goes beyond just the game. His youngest daughter, Shelomi, also plays the sport, which fuels his passion for the league. Last month, the Buffaloes’ head coach even showed his support for the Colorado women’s basketball team, but they lost to Clark’s team by a significant margin (89-68). Now, Clark has made the same magic again!

Caitlin Clark and the Fever pulled off a surprising 88-82 victory over Taurasi’s squad. It’s truly remarkable, especially considering what Taurasi said before the season started. Clark also came very close to achieving a historic feat — becoming the first rookie to record a triple-double in her first head-to-head matchup against Taurasi. Her performance earned her thunderous applause and heaps of praise from the crowd.

Taurasi’s previous statements about the hardships faced by WNBA rookies may now be called into question. And she just did! 

Diana Taurasi salutes Caitlin Clark after upset

Trash talk turned to respect as Diana Taurasi and rookie Caitlin Clark shared a pre-game hug despite Taurasi’s earlier remarks. Clark also proclaimed herself a Taurasi fan, then nearly notched a historic triple-double, leading her team to an upset victory. Clark put up an impressive stat line (12 assists, 9 rebounds, 15 points). Taurasi, though outplayed, had a respectable showing (3 assists, 3 rebounds, 19 points).

Following the win, Taurasi acknowledged the sting of her pre-season remarks. In a post-game interview, she praised Clark’s impact on the Indiana Fever; “a team that for the last couple of years is trying to get back to their glory days.” Taurasi spoke highly of Clark’s college career and momentum, calling her contributions “pretty impressive.” Now, the respect between the legend and the rookie seems genuine. The point guards played their game well, but is this rivalry just beginning?