Diana Taurasi has responded defiantly to critics suggesting she should retire following a recent loss to Caitlin Clark and The Fever.
After the game, which saw the Phoenix Mercury fall short, some commentators and fans questioned whether the 42-year-old Taurasi should consider stepping away from the sport. Taurasi, however, has made it clear that she is far from finished.
In a bold statement, Taurasi addressed the retirement rumors head-on. “I know what I need to do,” she said, demonstrating her unwavering confidence and determination. Taurasi acknowledged the challenging nature of the game but insisted that setbacks like this do not diminish her passion or commitment. “I’m not going anywhere,” she added, emphasizing her intent to continue competing at the highest level.
Diana Taurasi left looking foolish after Caitlin Clark comments haunt her again
Diana Taurasi was left eating her words after Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever secured a season sweep over the Phoenix Mercury by winning their third matchup of the season. And counting the WNBA All-Star game, Clark is 4-0 in her career against Taurasi. Caitlin Clark makes Taurasi now regret 3-word threat From before WNBA Draft.
Diana Taurasi was left with an egg on her face after she and the Phoenix Mercury suffered a season sweep to the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark – just a handful of months after the guard issued a stark WNBA warning to the star rookie.
On Friday, Clark returned with a vengeance from the Olympic break after being left off of the Team USA roster, propelling the Fever to a 98-89 win over the Mercury – Indiana’s third victory over Phoenix in as many tries this year. She finished the night with 29 points, 10 assists and five rebounds while shooting 8-of-16 from the field.
Taurasi, meanwhile, looked to be feeling the after effects of winning gold at the Paris Games just last week, thereby having little time to regain her bearings with the Mercury. She ended with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and three turnovers, as well as a tech that she received in the first quarter for an interaction with referees following a foul call on Brittney Griner.
Clark’s triumph over Taurasi is all the more sweet considering the Mercury’s social media team took a direct shot at the 22-year-old ahead of Friday’s matchup. Two days prior, Phoenix posted a clip of a young fan holding a sign that read: “Who is Caitlin? I’m here for Taurasi” alongside a montage of the veteran raining down shots from behind the arc.
It hasn’t taken long for Clark to make her presence felt in the WNBA, despite Taurasi previously asserting that a significant transition period awaited her once she turned pro. While speaking to ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt shortly after Iowa advanced to their second consecutive NCAA women’s basketball title game, the 42-year-old was asked how the league’s stars would greet the incoming rookie class featuring the likes of Clark, Kamilla Cardoso, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink and more.
“When the college guys come out, they’re waiting for them. I mean, Kamilla’s coming, Caitlin’s coming, there’s more than just that that are coming. What will the league have in store for them when they get there?” Van Pelt said.
“Look, SVP, reality is coming. You know, there’s levels to this thing. And that’s just life. We all went through it,” Taurasi replied. “And you see it on the NBA side, and you’re going to see it on this side, where, you know, 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.
“Not saying that it’s not going to translate, because when you’re great at what you do, you’re just going to get better. But there is going to be a transition period where you’re going to have to give yourself some grace as a rookie, and, you know, it might take a little bit longer for some people.”
