Clark’s performance in Fever victory is praised by Mercury’s Taurasi
Caitlin, who despite a migraine came one rebound shy of the first triple double by a WNBA debutant, helped the Fever beat the Mercury in Sunday’s game.
By Michael Voepel
Jun 30, 2024 10:22 PM
PHOENIX — Back from a migraine and being pressured hard by Phoenix’s defense, Caitlin Clark still delivered Sunday. The Fever guard finished one rebound short of what would have been the first triple-double by a WNBA rookie as Indiana beat the Mercury 88-82.
The game featured “The GOAT”, Mercury’s Diana taurasi, vs. Clark — the former a 42-year old legend who won five Olympic golds and three WNBA championships. The latter was a 22 year-old player playing in Phoenix for the first.
Fever fans made up a good portion of the 17,071 people who attended this sold-out event at Footprint Center. This is typical of Clark and Indiana during this season. The Fever fans were happy to see their team go home despite the Fever losing 17-4 in the first half. They also trailed by 11 at the halftime break and as many as 15 points in the second.
Clark did not attend the postgame press conference as she was feeling unwell, but spoke briefly with ESPN’s Christine Williamson after the game.
Clark said, “I am just glad we won.” Clark finished the game with 15 points and 12 assists, as well as 9 rebounds. It was cool to compete against [Taurasi], it was a great game. This crowd was incredible.”
Taurasi is the all-time top scorer in the WNBA. She is currently in her 20th season. Clark ended her Iowa career early in April as the Division I women’s or men’s all-time top scorer.
Both were No. As rookies, both were No. Taurasi was the WNBA rookie of the year in 2004. This was before social media or NIL deals. Clark’s reputation has been greatly affected by these things. The technology and growth of the WNBA in the last 20 years has put her rookie season under a greater spotlight.
Taurasi’s comment during Clark’s last college season, “Reality is Coming,” about her transition to WNBA, was not different from what the veteran said throughout her career regarding rookies. After Sunday’s game, Taurasi praised Clark.
Taurasi commented, “It is amazing what Caitlin has been able do in such a short time.” “I love that she is so passionate about the game. You can tell that she has put in the effort. … She’s had a lot thrown at her and continues to show up every game and improve.
“Her future is bright and as a veteran who has been in the league for such a long time, I find it pretty cool to be able to see this and look forward.”
Taurasi is the oldest player in the WNBA and the best example of a guard. She had 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals on Sunday. Natasha Cloud , another guard, had 15 points and 7 assists. Center Brittney Grinder led Phoenix in scoring with 24 points.
The Fever won 42-28 in the rebounding contest, with NaLyssa smith leading the way with 15 boards. Clark was joined by centers Aliyah B.oston (17) and Temi F.agbenle (10) and forward Smith (12), as well as guard Kelsey Mitchell (16).
Clark shot 4-of-14 shots from the field and faced six different Mercury defenders during the entire game. Her passing was one of her biggest assets in the Fever’s victory.
At times, the game became a bit chippy. The teams combined for five technical and two flagrant penalties. The Fever remained cool despite the Mercury having more experience.
“We keep telling each other, We’re good. Stay here. Pay attention to what we need to do,” forward Aliyah Boston stated. “We need to use that energy, not let it distract us. We don’t care if they foul us or not. We have to be prepared for every night.
The Fever won their first game since 2022 after being down by at least 15-points. The Fever started the season 1-8 in May. In June, they went 7-4. Indiana hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2016, but they are in a good position to make it.
Taurasi, speaking of the Fever, said: “That is a team who has been trying for the past couple of years to get back to the glory days when Tamika Catchings was on the team and they were putting up banners.” “I think that what Clark is doing for the team at this time is pretty impressive.”