Who does not love enmity turned to friendship? The basketball world surely does! Caitlin Clark’s entry into the WNBA was not exactly flowers and cheers, not from the players at least. At the forefront of it all was the Phoenix Mercury’s legend, Diana Taurasi. From ensuring the rookie that the professional league is not a child’s play to taking a jibe at her fans, the 42-year-old guard brought a negative spotlight on herself. However, since the very first meeting of the two on the floor, things have taken quite a turn.

The Indiana Fever won over the Mercury the first time and Caitlin Clark made Phoenix her home. But many thought that was simple luck. The same thing happened again, and we had the reason that only Kahleah Copper was the damaging starter available to Phoenix. Still, the third time is definitely a charm! Returning from the Olympics break, the first game that the Fever hosted was against the Mercury. Coming out as the star of the show, Clark showed the exit door to the visitors in a 98-89 win.

This victory also ended the series for the two teams for the season, with Indiana coming on top with a 3-0 record. Something that the world is not quite ready to forget, though, is Diana Taurasi’s words to the first overall pick. The official X account of Barstool Sports tweeted, “”Reality is coming….you look superhuman playing against some 18 years olds but you’re going to come play with some grown women” Diana Taurasi hasnt beaten Caitlin Clark yet this year with Team USA or the Phoenix Mercury. Reality is tough.”

Certainly, there’s a lot of frustration built up in the hearts of the fans. However, for Diana Taurasi and Clark, it all has turned into a lovely friendship.

Diana Taurasi showers love on Caitlin Clark as the rookie takes the torch

While the veteran’s comments are usually taken in a negative way, many agree that she had mentioned mere facts. Indeed, the level of the WNBA is high. Something that Diana Taurasi, who has given her 20 years to the league, would completely understand. Back then, she had told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, “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.” However, many would also say that she undersold the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer who happened to have broken over 46 records in Iowa.

Nevertheless, from their very first meeting back in July, Diana Taurasi was completely impressed by Clark. She had even praised her in the postgame presser, mentioning how she has achieved so much in her short WNBA career already. In the second game, Taurasi was out due to injury. And in yesterday’s win, the 6x Olympic gold medalist once again saw the power that the guard delivers. In fact, towards the end of the fourth quarter, the Gainbridge Fieldhouse saw Taurasi putting her arm on Clark’s shoulder, knowing already that the Fever would take the season series home.

Caitlin Clark put up a masterclass against Phoenix as the rookie contributed to 57% of the team’s total. She also pulled up another double-double, reaching for the WNBA record. Surely, the league has finally realized that this one is here to stay, no matter what. Probably, Diana Taurasi too. While her earlier remarks will remain in the conversations for a long time, it is refreshing to see her mellow down towards the Iowa sensation.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.