Before Caitlin Clark could run, Diana Taurasi had to walk the hard path — at least, that’s how Sophie Cunningham sees it.
Cunningham, who spent six years alongside Taurasi in Phoenix, said the Mercury star laid the foundation for Clark’s rise. Speaking on The Right Reed podcast on Thursday, she didn’t hesitate to link the two generations.
“Everyone can argue that [Taurasi] is the greatest of all time. What she does, what she has done for this game, is unbelievable. She’s the reason why CC [Clark] gets to be where she’s at,” Cunningham said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wgLUYqQb_s&pp=0gcJCa0JAYcqIYzv
It’s a rare perspective that only Cunningham can give. She’s played with Taurasi in the twilight of her career and now lines up against Clark as the rookie reshapes the league. Taurasi’s legacy is nearly complete, while Clark’s is just beginning.
Plenty doubted Clark could measure up to someone like Taurasi, but she’s done more than hold her own. In her debut season, Clark walked away with Rookie of the Year honors and finished fourth in MVP voting — an answer to those who wondered if she was ready for the spotlight.
Caitlin Clark vs. Diana Taurasi and Sophie Cunningham
One of the most anticipated matchups of 2024 came in late June, when Caitlin Clark finally squared off against Taurasi and Cunningham. After Taurasi famously predicted Clark would “struggle” in the pros, all eyes were on their first meeting. Clark responded with a near triple-double — 15 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds — as the Fever edged the Mercury 88-82.
Two weeks later, the rivalry shifted to Indianapolis. This time, Clark put up 20 points, 13 assists, six rebounds, and two blocks, lifting Indiana to a 95-86 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Their third meeting came in mid-August, fresh off Taurasi’s gold medal run with Team USA in France. Despite Cunningham’s tight defense, Clark exploded for 29 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, pushing the Fever to a 98-89 victory.
Three games, three wins — Clark didn’t just meet the moment against Taurasi. She thrived in it, proving Cunningham’s point that greatness doesn’t appear overnight; it builds on the work of those who came before.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through sabelreyes22@gmail.com. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
