The Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury’s matchup on Sunday was billed because the rookie versus the vet, after Diana Taurasi warned Caitlin Clark that “actuality is coming” earlier than her WNBA debut.
Taurasi scored 19 factors, nevertheless it was the Fever who got here again from a 15-point deficit to win the sport, 88-82. Clark sparked the group’s run with a 3-pointer and a nifty help about halfway by means of the third quarter.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, #22, and Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi, #3, speak at half court docket throughout a free throw on June 30, 2024, at Footprint Heart in Phoenix. (Owen Ziliak/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Clark completed with 15 factors, 12 assists and 9 rebounds – almost turning into the primary WNBA rookie to report a triple-double.
As for Taurasi and Clark, the 2 didn’t seem to point out indicators of any beef on the court docket. Nonetheless, it was laborious for the Fever’s social media account to overlook what was stated earlier than the season.
“Actuality examine,” the group wrote on X.
Taurasi had nothing however reward for Clark in her postgame press convention.
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Jun 30, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., U.S.; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, #22, is fouled by Phoenix Mercury guard Sug Sutton, #1, in the course of the fourth quarter at Footprint Heart in Phoenix on June 30, 2024. (Michael Chow-Arizona Republic)
“It is wonderful what Caitlin’s been capable of do in her quick profession to this point,” Taurasi informed reporters by way of ESPN. “The one factor that I actually love about her, she loves the sport. You possibly can inform she’s put the work in. … It has been a number of strain, a number of issues thrown at her, and he or she retains exhibiting up and retains getting higher each single recreation.
“So, her future is tremendous vibrant, and being a veteran and being on this league for a protracted, very long time, it’s fairly cool to see that and go into the longer term.”
The ESPN broadcast confirmed Clark and Taurasi speaking on the court docket a number of instances. Clark known as Taurasi her childhood idol.
Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Indiana Fever, and Diana Taurasi, #3 of the Phoenix Mercury, smile in the course of the recreation on June 30, 2024 at Footprint Heart in Phoenix. (Kate Frese/NBAE by way of Getty Photos)
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“I’m simply joyful we received,” Clark informed ESPN’s Christine Williamson. “It was cool to play in opposition to [Taurasi], and clearly a extremely nice recreation. This crowd was completely unimaginable.”
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