Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever traveled to Phoenix for their first matchup against the Mercury in the 2024 season. Before the game tipped off, Clark shared an exchange with Mercury veterans Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner.

Clark hugged Griner and Taurasi prior to the matchup. Griner shared some words with Clark, while Taurasi and Clark embraced each other with a hug, via Vanshay Murdock on X.

Sep 9, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) and guard Diana Taurasi (3) against the Chicago Sky during game two of the WNBA Finals at US Airways Center. The Mercury defeated the Sky 97-68. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

These are three players in the women’s basketball landscape who have all contributed to changing the game. Clark made her mark in the NCAA, entering the league as college basketball’s all-time leading scorer. Taurasi and Griner have been wreaking havoc together in the WNBA for over a decade, securing two WNBA titles together.

WNBA fans have been following any news surrounding Clark and her relationship with Taurasi after the veteran’s “Reality is coming” comment before Clark was drafted.

Despite negativity from fans, Clark recently said that she idolized Taurasi when she was growing up, showing major respect to the league legend. Griner has also been mentioned in the same conversation with Clark, sharing high praise for the entire 2024 rookie class.
The pregame exchange from all three players is a clear sign of respect, especially with Griner sharing some words with the rookie.