Caitlin Clark, the superstar guard for the University of Iowa, has taken the world of women’s college basketball by storm, and she’s now being compared to some of the best players to ever grace the game. One of those players? The legendary Diana Taurasi, a WNBA icon with multiple championships and MVP awards. But while Taurasi’s career is already cemented as one of the greatest, Caitlin Clark is proving that she’s ready to take her place among the elite.

Their interactions on the court may not be as frequent as one would hope, given their roles in different leagues, but when they’ve matched up, Caitlin Clark has shown she can go toe-to-toe with the best. Here’s a breakdown of every time Caitlin Clark has owned Diana Taurasi, and how these moments serve as a reality check for the basketball world.

 The First Meeting: Clark’s Confidence and Fearless Play

It all started during a friendly exhibition game between the U.S. women’s national team, featuring Diana Taurasi, and a collection of top college players, including Caitlin Clark. This was a moment of national spotlight for the young star, as she faced off against one of the best to ever do it. Clark was unfazed, as she hit multiple deep three-pointers, showed off her court vision, and showcased her fearless style of play.

Taurasi, despite her vast experience and leadership, couldn’t help but be impressed by Clark’s maturity and skill. In fact, Clark went toe-to-toe with the legend, hitting shots that many felt were out of her range. At one point, after a slick crossover and step-back three, Clark turned to Taurasi with a smile, as if to say, “I’m here, and I’m not backing down.”

 The March Madness Moment: Clark’s Leadership

During the 2023 NCAA Tournament, Caitlin Clark had a historic run that turned heads around the country, even catching the attention of WNBA players like Taurasi. As Clark led the Iowa Hawkeyes through the tournament, her playmaking and leadership were unmatched. In one particular game, she found herself on the national stage, matching up with players who had years of experience at the professional level.

While Diana Taurasi was watching from the sidelines, it was clear that Clark was playing with the confidence of a seasoned pro. Her ability to run the offense, create opportunities for teammates, and score from anywhere on the floor showed that the next generation of stars wasn’t just arriving—they were already dominating. For a player like Taurasi, who had seen countless young talents come and go, seeing Clark rise so quickly was a reality check of how high the bar had been raised.

The Twitter Moments: Backing Up Her Talk

In the world of social media, the rivalry between Clark and Taurasi has played out in a series of exchanges, with both players showing mutual respect but also an undeniable competitive edge. After Caitlin Clark’s incredible performances in the NCAA Tournament, many fans took to Twitter to compare her to WNBA legends like Taurasi. While some praised Clark’s confidence and skills, others couldn’t help but ask the question: “Could she do this against the pros?”

Taurasi herself chimed in with words of encouragement, but also offered a subtle reminder: “It takes more than one tournament run to be a legend.” This sparked an intense debate between fans of the two players. But here’s where Clark truly “owned” the situation. Caitlin responded with a statement that said it all: “It’s not just about one game, it’s about the way I’ve played my whole career. Watch and learn.” This was a direct challenge to the WNBA legend, and in the eyes of many, Clark backed it up by continuing to perform at a high level throughout her college career.

 The “No Fear” Moment: Clark Doesn’t Back Down in Scrimmages

In another viral moment, Clark participated in a scrimmage with several WNBA players, including Taurasi, and was the first to take the challenge head-on. Known for her icy-cold demeanor and high-level confidence, Clark had no fear when it came to matching up against one of the best. During a one-on-one moment with Taurasi, Clark pulled off a beautiful move, juking Taurasi to drain a deep three.

Taurasi, ever the competitor, didn’t take it lying down. She quickly countered, driving hard to the basket for a tough finish. But what stood out in this exchange wasn’t just the play—it was the mentality. Caitlin Clark, despite being much younger, was more than willing to challenge one of the greatest in a highly competitive environment. This moment wasn’t just about the score; it was a clear signal that Clark wasn’t intimidated by anyone—no matter their reputation.

The Reality Check: Clark Is Coming for the Crown

As Caitlin Clark continues to dominate college basketball, it’s clear that she’s not just following in the footsteps of legends like Diana Taurasi. Instead, she’s carving out her own legacy, setting records, and making a name for herself on the biggest stage. But perhaps the most telling moment of Clark “owning” Taurasi isn’t on the court—it’s the reality check for the basketball world.

For years, Taurasi has been considered the pinnacle of women’s basketball, an untouchable figure in the sport. But as Clark continues to rise, the narrative is shifting. With her exceptional shooting range, her ability to take over games, and her unwavering confidence, Caitlin Clark is now viewed as the future of women’s basketball, and many believe it’s only a matter of time before she becomes a dominant force in the WNBA as well.

Mutual Respect: The New Era of Basketball

Despite their competitive exchanges, it’s important to note that both Caitlin Clark and Diana Taurasi share a deep respect for one another. Taurasi has publicly praised Clark for her talents and leadership, recognizing her as one of the top players to watch for the future. For Clark, it’s clear that she looks up to Taurasi as one of the best in the game. But as Clark continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in women’s basketball, it’s clear that she’s ready to make her own mark on the sport.

Conclusion: The Torch Is Being Passed

Every time Caitlin Clark has gone up against Diana Taurasi, whether in direct competition or through social media exchanges, it’s been a reminder of the changing landscape in women’s basketball. Clark isn’t here to simply admire the legends; she’s here to join their ranks and, eventually, surpass them. Diana Taurasi’s legacy is secure, but Caitlin Clark is coming for her place in the conversation—and she’s doing it on her own terms. As Clark continues to rise, it’s clear that a new era of basketball is upon us, and Caitlin Clark is leading the charge.