Diana Taurasi Didn't Hold Back When Asked For Her Opinion of Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark and Diana Taurasi met in a highly-anticipated clash between the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury on Sunday afternoon.

WNBA fans had this day marked on their calendars ever since DT suggested Clark was in for a rude awakening in her transition from the college game to the WNBA level.

While many viewed Taurasi's comments as animosity toward Clark, it's clear the all-time great hooper has a great deal of respect for the WNBA's No. 1 overall pick.

After the Fever's 88-82 upset win over the Mercury, Taurasi gave her honest thoughts about Clark and her impact on the game.

"It's amazing. 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 ... 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," Taurasi said in her postgame press conference.

"...More importantly, she's done a lot for the Indiana Fever," Taurasi continued. "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 incredible and (having) that momentum coming out of college, eyes on you for four years straight. I think what she's doing for that team right now is pretty impressive.

"When I think of her, I think of what she's done for that team."

Taurasi, 42, finished the game with 19 points, three assists and three rebounds. Clark, 22, finished with 15 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds — nearly becoming the first rookie in WNBA history to notch a triple-double.

Clark and the Fever will meet Taurasi and the Mercury for a rematch on July 12.