Diana Taurasi couldn’t hide her frustration as Caitlin Clark led her Indiana Fever to another victory against Taurasi’s Phoenix Mercury. Caitlin Clark, the rising star of the WNBA, continues to break records every time she steps on the court, and her performance against the Mercury was no exception.

In their previous matchup, Clark was just one rebound shy of a triple-double, making history in the very next game by becoming the youngest player ever to achieve such a feat. Determined to make a statement, Clark went off against the Mercury in their second encounter, teaming up with Aaliyah Boston to become the first duo in Fever history to record 20-point double-doubles in the same game.

Clark’s impact was felt from the very start, as she set a franchise record with seven first-quarter assists and continued to dominate throughout the game. By the end, she had recorded her fifth straight double-double, finishing with 20 points and 13 assists. Despite a late-game scare where the Fever’s 31-point lead was cut to just four points, Indiana held on for the win.

The game wasn’t without its challenges, though. Clark faced physical play and questionable officiating, including an uncalled foul when Mercury’s Brittney Griner smacked her in the face. Despite these frustrations, Clark maintained her composure, showcasing her resilience and determination.

One of the highlights of the game was Clark’s impressive dribbling and footwork, which left a Mercury defender baffled as she drove to the hoop for an easy layup. Her ability to excel in all facets of the game has drawn comparisons to NBA star Steph Curry, particularly for her three-point shooting and lightning-fast decision-making.

Diana Taurasi, who had previously dismissed Clark’s potential impact in the WNBA, watched from the sidelines due to injury. Her visible frustration and constant complaints to the referees highlighted her inability to stop Clark’s dominance. This came after Taurasi had publicly stated that Clark would face a “rude awakening” in the WNBA, a comment that drew backlash from fans who saw it as jealousy.

Despite her initial criticism, Taurasi eventually acknowledged Clark’s talent, praising her game and work ethic in a post-game press conference. This change of heart, however, did not stop the Fever’s social media team from poking fun at Taurasi, referencing her earlier comments with a “reality check” post after the game.

Clark’s greatness is undeniable. She has set numerous records in her rookie season, including becoming the fastest WNBA rookie to surpass 100 points and 50 assists. Her all-around game makes her a constant threat, whether she’s scoring, playmaking, or controlling the tempo.

As for the Rookie of the Year debate, there is no doubt that Caitlin Clark is the clear frontrunner. Despite any attempts to undermine her achievements, she continues to prove her doubters wrong and solidify her place in WNBA history. Diana Taurasi and her critics can only watch as Clark takes over the league and cements her legacy as an all-time great.