Back in the 80s, the rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird elevated the NBA to new heights. Now, Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi compared Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark‘s WNBA impact to the two legendary hoopers.
The rivalry between Johnson and Bird is widely considered the most significant in NBA history. These two superstars single-handedly revived the league’s popularity in the 1980s, captivating audiences with their exceptional talent and fierce on-court competition.
![WNBA: Diana Taurasi Sounds Off on Caitlin Clark Comparison To Magic Johnson, Larry Bird 1 Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23655863_168400517_lowres.jpg)
Both stars emerged from humble beginnings, yet their impact was immediate and profound. Johnson led his Michigan State team to a stunning turnaround, while Bird’s Indiana University squad became a dominant force in college.
The 1979 NCAA championship game between their teams was a watershed moment, drawing a record audience and showcasing the electric rivalry. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, respectively, both platers continued their rivalry in the NBA, winning a combined eight championships and five Finals MVP awards.
The rise of the NBA in the 1980s can be largely attributed to the captivating rivalry between Magic and Bird. Their impact on the sport, the NCAA, and the NBA is unparalleled, cementing their status as one of the greatest rivalries in sports history.
WNBA Star Drops Interesting Caitlin Clark Comparison to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird
![WNBA: Diana Taurasi Sounds Off on Caitlin Clark Comparison To Magic Johnson, Larry Bird 2 WNBA, Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_23321307_168400517_lowres-scaled.jpg)
Just recently, Taurasi’s Phoenix Mercury faced off against Clark’s Indiana Fever in their first match of the season. This game comes months after several comments made by the veteran that sparked a beef between her and the rookie.
After the game, Taurasi shared her thoughts on Clark and even compared her impact on the WNBA to the Bird-Johnson rivalry in the 80s in an article written by Trevor Booth for Desert Wave Media.
“Clark’s presence, though, is much different. She plays poised beyond her years. She carries a level of mystique that is only comparable to some basketball legends. A reporter pointed out the atmosphere Clark holds is similar to that of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. “Yeah,” Taurasi agreed,” Booth wrote.
Clark’s debut game against the Phoenix Mercury at the Footprint Center was a resounding success, with a sellout crowd of 17,071 fans packing the arena. The young star’s popularity was on full display, as fans donned her jerseys and chanted her name. Along with the 88-82 win for Indiana, Clark’s performance nearly earned a triple-double, showcasing her immense talent and drawing praise from Taurasi.
![WNBA: Diana Taurasi Sounds Off on Caitlin Clark Comparison To Magic Johnson, Larry Bird 3 Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23562429_168400517_lowres-1-scaled.jpg)
Without a doubt, Clark’s popularity has elevated the WNBA as a league ever since she made her debut. Now with Taurasi’s acknowledgement, sky is the limit for what the Fever star can achieve as a professional hooper.
![WNBA: Diana Taurasi Sounds Off on Caitlin Clark Comparison To Magic Johnson, Larry Bird 4 Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_23663219_168400517_lowres.jpg)
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