Before Caitlin Clark even stepped onto a WNBA court, the spotlight was already shining brightly on her. As the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Indiana Fever, the buzz surrounding her arrival was deafening. Many believed her dominance at Iowa would seamlessly translate to the pros. But in a league full of seasoned veterans, not everyone welcomed that narrative. From the moment Clark joined the WNBA, it was clear she had something to prove — not just to herself, but to the women who’d been holding it down in the league for years. She became a marked player, often receiving the toughest defensive efforts from her opponents.
Despite the intense competition, Clark recently revealed something surprising during her appearance on David Letterman’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. When asked about trash talk during her rookie season, she admitted that only one veteran really engaged in it — and it was all in good spirit. “Nobody really talks trash to me, honestly,” she shared. “Maybe that will happen next season, but if someone says something to me, I’ll probably respond. I’m just not the type to start it.” According to Clark, it was none other than WNBA legend Diana Taurasi who brought a bit of heat during their matchup.
Clark described a moment from a game against Taurasi’s team where she took a hard foul. “She came from behind, didn’t even go for the ball,” Clark recounted, explaining how she called it out to the referee. Taurasi didn’t back down. “She looked at me and said, ‘Alright, do it again,’” sparking a light-hearted exchange between the two on the court. The trash talk continued playfully, and during a free throw, Taurasi leaned in and told Clark, “I just love you.” The interaction showed a mix of competitiveness and respect — a rare and authentic moment that fans seldom see beyond the game highlights.
This exchange wasn’t the first time Taurasi had publicly weighed in on Clark’s transition to professional basketball. Prior to the 2024 draft, Taurasi made headlines with a candid statement on SportsCenter, where she warned that the rookie class — and Clark specifically — should brace themselves for a harsh dose of reality. “You look superhuman against teenagers, but the WNBA is filled with grown women who’ve been playing pro ball for a long time,” Taurasi remarked. Her comment sparked plenty of debate and set the stage for what fans hoped would be a fiery rivalry.
But any tension between the two stars seems to have softened over time. Their friendly dynamic was on full display when Clark appeared on The Bird & Taurasi Show during the women’s national championship game. The two laughed about their earlier encounter, showing that while the WNBA is fiercely competitive, it’s also a space for mentorship, mutual admiration, and shared passion for the game. Their evolving relationship is a refreshing reminder that sports rivalries can be both intense and respectful.
Caitlin Clark’s first year in the WNBA has been filled with learning curves, expectations, and headline-making moments. Her story with Diana Taurasi adds another layer to that journey — one that highlights how respect is earned not just through stats, but through heart, resilience, and a willingness to face the game’s best with confidence and humility.
