Caitlin Clark Shines in WNBA Debut - Is Taurasi facing the reality of losing her spot on Team USA

[@jjohnson3203]

It’s pretty clear and simple. CC has to be on the Olympic roster for numerous reasons, basketball-wise and for business and viewership reasons. I don’t have strong feelings either way about DT being on the team, but I’d lean toward giving Sab, Arike or Kah that 2-guard spot.

[@cooldoctor174]

Exactly!!! From a business perspective and all the NEW fans CC has brought to the game. She should definitely be on the squad !! I'm in my 40s, and it's the 1st time in my life I watch wnba! All because of CC and Reese...

[@jjohnson3203]

@@cooldoctor174 - I'm an older guy and watched the W when it first started and then lost interest. I started seeing Paige highlights on KZbin when she was in HS and went down that rabbit hole. I have since been a huge fan since about 2020 and love both college and the W. Saw Clark in person at Penn St last yr and Rutgers this yr. Saw Paige at Villanova this yr. Plan to see JuJu when USC comes east next season. I'll be at the Fever/Liberty game in Brooklyn on June 2. Can't wait! Hopefully you come to enjoy all of the great players and talent in the W. I know I was blown away by the talent-level after getting reacquainted the last couple yrs.

[@cooldoctor174]

I wish there was a wnba team in my area 😢😢😢 (fl)

So agree with Turassi’s statements about how Clark was going to have a hard time transitioning to the wnba level??? She clearly was hating on Clark. She’s jealous, or she’s hating on her bc she’s white or straight, or both.

[@rhey81]

DT is playing everyone and its the right move. Boxers and fighters do it at weigh in and pressers to promote their fights. And shes right to do it.. I highly doubt she really feels this way..

[@TheDisruptiveOne]

Taurasi should not make the Olympic team. She is a legacy selection. She has already been on the team multiple times. And she is not one of the 10-15 best American players anymore. I hope Clark or someone else does take her spot.

[@jamespacete1673]

you are absolutely 100% correct,its Caitlin Clark's time to replace her.

[@written12]

Frankly, I don’t care if Caitlin replaces Taurasi on the Olympic team. The principle here is that Diana has no business being on the team.Shes played in 5 Olympics as did Sue Bird. That’s far too many when there are, and have been young players who deserved that honor and experience. Diana is one of the greats. She’s also an ego pig who doesn’t understand how to transition herself from a lifetime of athletic glory.

[@TheDisruptiveOne]

@@written12 I agree. USA soccer makes the same mistake and sticks with the "vets" for way too long.

[@societysideeyed]

Totally agree

[@bobbiedunn4474]

💯 agree

[@malenurse1999]

Considering Clark is the only female household name basketball player she should be everywhere female basketball is. That and the fact she is arguably the best player in the USA right now. She is definitely the best in the WNBA. If they don’t treat her well and use her properly they will drive her 10’s of millions of fans away which are more than the entire WNBA combined and the WNBA will be far worse off than it has ever been. Those jealous players coaches better get their act together and welcome her with open arms and at least pretend that they are happy. She is the best thing that is ever happened to this league.

[@daredevil350]

They're ego is gonna push fans away. Instead of letting the new players like Catlin Clark make the game interesting and change the league they expect their failed way to change it which ain't working. At this point I think they know but they don't like it. Just be grateful people may actually watch and get the "pay raise" they've been nagging (cause let's be real they have been nagging about it) for the past few years.

[@charlesevans9204]

Love Caitlin but cannot be denied the 2024 Class of rookies is going to be prominate for Many years to come

[@charlesevans9204]

Glad to see Kate Martin make it past the final cut of the Vegas Aces

[@miltoncox6639]

She not the best she didn’t win anything she can shoot thou this new Media crowned her

[@elclavo1]

This rookie class is going to humble the hell out of the wnba vets

[@GrahamCStrouse]

This comment’s not aging real well…

[@elclavo1]

I’d say it is

[@turtleislandlac1490]

It's funny there are still UConn fans who will angrily defend Taurasi's inclusion on the Olympic team but I think they are dwindling in number. THey argue that younger WNBA players haven't earned their spot while forgetting that Taurasi made the team as a 22 year old in 2004.

[@arthurmiller9434]

I’m a long time UConn fan and have complained for years that both Bird and Taurasi should step aside.

[@arthurmiller9434]

@@RalphKetchum Great point Ralph.

[@turtleislandlac1490]

@@RalphKetchum Agree with you on everything except for Kobe. Adjustment is really not as much of a factor for the greats. But Kobe definitely was raw his first couple of seasons and had to learn to get better. I remember him missing very badly on some shots and had very poor shot selection. He would have hurt the team if he played more minutes. He'd have the occasional big game as a 19 year old but then have some duds.

[@def1ghi]

Caitlin Clark is the most transcendent athlete in the US right now. That simple. You want attention? Get her. (Full disclosure: I live in Iowa City and have been a huge Hawkeye women's basketball fan for years).

[@howardosden3112]

As to your full disclosure, it makes no difference when you're right. (UConn Alumni)

[@def1ghi]

@@howardosden3112 I personally think Paige is a more complete player than Caitlin but Caitlin is just super fun to watch, and I hope we NEVER have to play against. Geno team again (a genius coach).

[@dominictramonte2687]

@@def1ghi Ditto. Paige is more complete. But Caitlin is more fun to watch. People don't buy tickets to see things that don't happen, like Paige guarding somebody so closely they can't get a shot off and are forced to pass.

[@def1ghi]

@@dominictramonte2687 totally! Paige's defense is a level above Caitlin, zero doubt. And Paige can play a small 3. Caitlin got a lot of rebounds partly because she has really long arms, but Paige is just fundamentally better at the boards. I LOVE Lisa Bluder but there's no doubt Geno is a genius.

[@gg70000]

Because of Caitlin Clark, people should now recognize the contributions that Diana Taurasi has made to WBB. To do so otherwise would be a great disservice to the future development of the WNBA and WBB in general. Afterall, Taurasi has won 3 Consecutive NCAA Women's Basketball Championships, the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award (2004), three WNBA championships (2007, 2009, and 2014), a historic five Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020), one WNBA Most Valuable Player Award (2009), two WNBA Finals MVP Awards (2009 and 2014), five scoring titles (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011), and three FIBA World Cups (2010, 2014, and 2018). She has also been selected to ten WNBA All-Star teams and fourteen All-WNBA teams (including ten first-team selections). In 2011, she was voted by fans as one of the WNBA's Top 15 Players of All Time, and was named by the league to its 20th and 25th anniversary teams, respectively the WNBA Top 20@20 in 2016 and The W25 in 2021. Also in 2021, she was selected by fans as the league's greatest player of all time. On June 18, 2017, Taurasi became the WNBA all-time leading scorer and on June 27, 2021, became the first player to surpass 9,000 points. On August 3, 2023, Taurasi became the first player to score 10,000 career points. Your girl, Clark, not so much yet. Not sayin' it's not possible, just improbable. Taurasi belongs on the USA Olympic team simply because she has been 'transcendent' for the women's game in ways that CC will never be.

[@buzzard6410]

Don't forget the Becky Hammon slight for the 2008 Olympics when she was runner up for the MVP. Coach Anne Donovan didn't even give her an invite to try out.

[@turtleislandlac1490]

There were other snubs too like Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike not making the team in 2016. To me Ogwumike not making it in 2016 and 2020 was the worst. She was the MVP of the 2020 Olympic qualifying tournament and still didn't make the team supposedly for a non serious injury.

[@dukelombardi4565]

What does The US Olympic sponsors of VISA, McDonalds, and United has to say? Caitlin is going in.

[@cooldoctor174]

Yup!!!! 💸💸💸💸

[@gregthomas2448]

CC is the GOAT 👍🔥👋💰❤️💎🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@GrahamCStrouse]

Not the way she’s playing now. Put down the pipe.

[@gregthomas2448]

CC is on the Olympic Roster. Done deal 👍🏆🥇💫🏀

[@shoofly529]

#1 I thought I'd see a lot more pick-&-roll from CC & AB in the Wings game. #2 CC (or someone else) should replace DT on the Olympic roster (I am a DT fan but enough is enough). #3 If you want to go legacy then Candice & Nneka should be on the team w/DT off.

[@Michael-of6zf]

CC said that first half kicked her butt, she had to ask the coach for a rest, she said she had never had to do that before. Mind you just two weeks ago she was playing in the college tournament, so she really didn't get any rest. She been playing since November. No time for her body to rest. And AB just look out of shape, she made a tik tok video of going up the steps and she had to catch her breath.

[@futurehofer1564]

Diana shouldnt even be in consideration, they should have called Paige instead...

[@aaronevans5209]

You forgot to say “next question.”

[@BDE360]

@@aaronevans5209 😂

[@richs6926]

@@aaronevans5209 That's a good one.

[@chaikgeorge]

next question :):)

[@MrLarryLessor]

It's called Leadership: When you have someone on the team who has known how to win gold medal games against a lot of the players you will see in the Olympics around the world, there's value there - I love paige but she'd be getting her feet wet - she's making tiktok videos.... not exactly as mature as a professional like Diana. @TheDisruptiveOne Some of you all are just mad that D said this about ALL rookies (not just caitlin) - and she was exactly right..... lol And so was Sheryl Swoopes in essence correct: Look at last night: oooooooooh 4-12 shooting from the floor 2-9 from three!!!! SMH LOOOOOL Wow what a prodigy - "THe BEST Prospect the WNBA has ever had coming out of college" 😂 That's exactly what I said would happen when top defenders/ athletes like Rhyne Howard guarded her - She's not scoring 40 like in college. Listen to your elders - you should have more respect for Diana and Sheryl etc. They are wise. And you will see even more than this preseason game all season long - yes Caitlin will have hot nights maybe pour in 30.... who knows 40? But she won't be doing exactly as she did in college against these elite women in the W Exactly as Sheryl said. Someone predicted she'll average maybe 18. That's a big difference from 28 in college.

[@calvinh.4682]

I have nothing really to say about Caitlin Clark. She is a great player both as a great passer and a scorer. Btw I agree with everything you had to say abt DT and the Olympics too.

[@back2sports]

Thanks calvin

[@gregthomas2448]

CC gonna slay DT and drill daggers 🗡️ 🏀❤️👍🔥

[@felipestrm]

I don’t think diana was hating, very reasonable comments. Pretty common for rookies to struggle on year 1. although I do agree CC should take DT’s spot on Olympic team

[@mcanqb]

You are missing the entire point. DT is a hater, and she had no right to talk about what happens to “typical rookies”. Sit down

[@cooldoctor174]

DT hasn't realized what this moment may mean for women's basketball!!!! Now is the time for her to elevate CC and thus elevate the W... all the new fans turning in to watch the WNBA for the 1st time will financially benefit the entire league!

[@felipestrm]

@@cooldoctor174 agree with you Diana did miss an opportunity to elevate CC and the wnba as a whole

[@cobra7282]

@@mcanqb She's a hater why? Because she said CC would have some adjustments to make in the WNBA? Are you aware that she has also praised CC for her work ethic and gone as far as to say she would be extremely unlikely to bust because of it? You may want to know the whole story before to open your mouth..

[@cobra7282]

@@RalphKetchum Why you gotta start out with a lie? Diana's stats were lower pretty much across the board from her career averages as a rookie. Her points, assists, FG%, 3P% and FTAs were all lower than her career averages and her career averages include about 5 years past her prime as well.

[@bryronpalmer3581]

What would make them unstoppable in the pick n roll is Aliyah developing a mid-range,pull up jumper to go along with her size close to the basket.I'm hoping she develops that like Aja Wilson has.

[@Anita-kd4zu]

I’m the biggest Taurasi fan on the planet. I don’t think she should be on the Olympic team, but let’s not in any way diminish her legacy. She has NOTHING left to prove. People who do this whole Clark/Taurasi thing must be new fans to the women’s game. I enjoy your channel.

[@HappyNeuron-qu9sx]

Unless she has children and has a man around to help raise them she failed as a woman. The only great women are mothers with great children.

[@BDE360]

She is nothing special. I’m glad you like her. Most people have never heard of her. I think she’s just an activist that is a cancer to the WNBA

[@amanrush7722]

She has nothing. Fix it for you.

[@staceymenheart8353]

Well, evidently, she thinks she has something to prove. Because she’s the one that went out of her way calling out Caitlin making it seem like it’s a rivalry. When Caitlin Who is very humble and hasn’t said a word, but has gotten all this negative attention thrown at her. It’s one thing to be competitive, but Taurasi, could’ve been a better ambassador of the game.

[@spanishb1]

Most people paying attention to the WNBA are most likely new fans. Mostly brought in by the Clark buzz. New fans the league desperately needs.

[@NoRoundBrown]

C.C. gonna ball out

[@dominictramonte2687]

Taurasi has always had a big mouth. It's also true there's a bump in the level of competition Caitlin will have to adjust to. Caitlin has always been hard to guard. About the only person who could was Nika, and she "held" her to 21 points. She's got so much range you have to start guarding her before the half court line, and the opposite base line for preference. Will teams adjust to that, or will Caitlin find a way to get open? 50-50? Who knows; that still remains to be seen. Clark has a home in the W, no question. But it's too early to be talking about who is the GOAT. Ask me after 5 years. Taurasi really was the GOAT for a long time, starting in her college days, just as Caitlin is now. After Clark retires, then it will be time to talk with the old timers who played against them both as maybe then we'll know something. Diana probably should have retired last year. She was great, but after 20 years she's lost half a step on her 40 yard time. She couldn't, of course. Sue was still up on her in the longevity department, and Taurasi can't stand that. That competitive edge is what make Diana one of the greatest players the game has ever seen, and it also makes her a pretty miserable human being. 'Tis a twice told tale. And don't forget the experience factor. Kelsey Plum was on the Bird and Taurasi show this year. She was talking about her rookie year, and one time she got the ball when Diana was guarding her. She thought "I'm gonna dribble right by your old ass." But she didn't; Taurasi saw what was coming and fouled her rather than be embarrassed. Caitlin is tough and smart. Diana is tough and smart and experienced. I really don't care who goes to Team USA. That's a decision the coaches must make. Ideally, they'd make it based on basketball criterion, but fandom and viewership matter too. Caitlin has fans. But so does Taurasi.

[@pattibond2342]

@dominictramonte - That was an easy comment to read. Thanks for breaking it up in to paragraphs! Some people just keep writing - lol. Clark should Definitely go to the Olympics! I think most people feel that it's time for Taurasi to leave. I'm also Not a Taurasi fan tho. A good player, but her mouth Knocks her down a notch. I don't like watching Anything that involves her. However, I will watch Indiana against Phoenix!! That ought to be Good! I'm glad it's later in the season, to give Clark a little more experience at this level. I Still say "The GOAT", is a matter of Opinion. We're all just gonna have to agree to disagree!

[@lindsaymathews5127]

Yes, Taurasi has a big mouth, a big basketball history with how many National Championships, a big WMBA star! That's why we here in CT love her! She's the best and Paige Bueckers is the best women's college basketball player in the game today. People are jealous that UCONN has 11 National Championships and IOWA and South Carolina don't even come close. Ha! ha!

[@pattibond2342]

@@lindsaymathews5127 oh, Wait for South Carolina!! They're on the rise! IF you Really know Connecticut, then you would realize that even Gino has said that the talent is spread out now, versus back when Taurasi played. It Used to Always be Tennessee & UConn rivalry. Those Two school Always got the Best recruits. Things have & Will, Continue to change! Have you Missed ALL the Records that Clark broke & hold, with All that New Talent that was NOT as prominent in College when Taurasi played?? Just saying! I love Paige, and she's a Great player. I'm not sure if she's the best, because I think That's all a matter of Opinion!

[@BDE360]

Taurasi has fans……😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Caitlin Clark’s games are all sold out! Her jerseys are sold out uhm almost ALL OF CC Games are broadcast on television! That’s probably more televised games than Taurasi has been on (except Olympic Games) so go buy a dust covered Taurasi jersey and get season tickets and watch her and enjoy yourself 😂

[@ReadR00ster1]

geez, I am not a Uconn fan but Taurasi derseves some respect.

[@jammingammon1]

I would like to see Clark get a little more seasoning and conditioning before facing Taurasi. They were definitely trying to bully her on the court. It was great watching her push back. But it resulted in five fouls called on Clark. She needs to gain the experience to either avoid them, or hide them better from the ref. Lol. I can see the other teams taking advantage of it, trying to foul her out of the game as a way to eliminate her threat. She only played 5 minutes in the third quarter because of the fear of her fouling out. If she had played more in the third, the Fever would have won that game.

[@lamargettens2370]

I’ve been saying that there going to attack her cause she can’t defend right now

[@cooldoctor174]

I'm new to wnba. I was very disappointed in the wnba for not showing Reese's preseason game 😡😡. I enjoyed watching Caitlyn's 1st game but when I looked for Reese's game, it was no where to be found...

[@ChillZHQ]

They better fix that shit. They are going to lose alot of black viewers They keep playing with her like she not a role model also. We love CC, but let's not forget Angel and Camilla are the champions of the past 2 years. They deserve to be televised

[@deniserusso4361]

They weren’t televised before. There was barely anyone in the audience.

[@cooldoctor174]

Well, times are changing and if the wnba wants to capitalize on the moment and keep all us new fans, they better make FAST adjustments !!!! I paid for wnba league Pass and heck and I dont even pay for the nba league Pass!!!! I wanna see CC, Reese and Cardoza. And I'm sure that as the season goes on, I'll learn about other players..

[@cooldoctor174]

​@@deniserusso4361well, the audience has grown !!! And this may be the moment, that the league explodes (like when Larry and Magic came into the NBA in the 80s).

[@jeangrey5952]

@@ChillZHQthe Sky had 7,010 in attendance in a 20k seat arena with no promotion for the game, and the Fever had 6,200 in a arena that holds a little over 6k. So the Sky actually had more people in the stands.

[@forexmind3244]

"Thank you Caitlin Clark for the charter planes. We're trying that for more than 20 years. You made it happen. I am a big fan now." - Diana Taurasi

[@TailicaiCorporation]

Watching those plays, gave me Stockton to Malone vibes. That’s my favorite duo in basketball history. Ain’t no one bitting his Assist record… but with how good she is I wonder if she can scare the record or get anywhere close to it. I know it’s a different league, but I’m very interested to see how her career turns out

[@DJ_Mr_Rodge]

all of yall who making this statement clearly don't watch the wnba .... because if you know dallas they wasn't playing with satou and dallas is a inconsistent mid team that has a green light player in arike...arike style of play is good but can be frustrating as i feel team ball what win championships in the wnba and not a ballhog and note i said championships...my critique of CC is the same with arike unless you learn to team ball you not winning a championship or being a real contender you just be a harden, westbrook maybe iverson and angel mc. (but that is reaching) type ... like diana said it will translate but CC will have meet reality and the reality is there are players who can match with her as we seen arike take the last shot to win the game... but i am curious how she will do against atlanta as both teams has great upcoming talent plus CC and rhyne is going to be a interesting matchup...but anyway CC good but goat i dunno as she hasn't won anything and i know there are players who can match up with her when given the chance...but CC is good but this is going to be interesting because all this current and new talent is going to be going at for at least 6 years (remember all the other college prospects we seen are also coming into the league eventually)

[@wda2478]

Really don't understand CC not a team player. How does leading the nation is assists not equate to team ball??? If you add her points AND assists NO ONE in the history of the game is even remotely close. Czinano average 15ppg shooting 67% because of Clark.

[@PhillyDove]

​@@wda2478 in college

[@wda2478]

@@PhillyDove Coach said the team is not used to seeing the level of passing from Clark. Her high level of turnovers comes from partly the degree of difficulty of her passes.

[@ReadR00ster1]

And Indiana was without their top score too, Kelsey Mitchell. It doesn't matter because it's preseaon. They only ones really trying are the ones at risk of getting cut.

[@cobra7282]

@@wda2478 She settles for a lot of bad shots and she got into that habit at Iowa where she was the team's entire offense. She doesn't need to be that in the WNBA so she needs to be more patient and use her teammates more often. She had so many assists because the ball was always in her hands and when teams overload on her she finds the open teammate. It's the same reason someone like Westbrook and Harden have had a lot of assists, but are generally seen as ball hogs.

[@laideevalynteena8172]

Yes. Aliyah Boston has gotten her body together. She's way more for than last season. She's going to be so good this season.

[@TheDungeonSLO]

I heard caitlins comments after the game. she will fit in but the pace and the defense on her will be an adjustment. she was winded and asked to be taken out. note she had one basket in second half. so just be aware of that

[@fingerpickingood1900]

She will be on the team even if she has a middling first half. NBC will do what ever possible to make sure she goes.

[@WORKSbaby]

4-14 2-9 from 3

[@RustyLou18]

Wow, 10 turnovers in her first regular WNBA season game, wow.

[@back2sports]

It was ugly - U could tell the Sun loved giving it to her. I think they need to take her off the ball a bit to settle in a bit.

[@TheBest-gf8qo]

@@back2sportslol another terrible game now😊

[@cobra7282]

@@back2sports Agreed though a lot of people are hating on that after they did it in game 2..

[@jgomez5963]

It’s not what Diana Taurasi said well a little but it’s the way she condescendingly said it like she ain’t shhh same with Swoopes and Lexie do do Brown.

[@Cecesway]

AB may have been lifting annañhhfll off season, howeverrzd she looked gassed during that pre season game. She wasn’t getting down court quickly and missing easy shots. Hopefully they pull it together and they will be unstoppable.

[@kevindecoteau3186]

we all get older and slower.

[@back2sports]

Yes we do. And my god am I slow this morning!

[@braneden]

Not to mention Indiana was up by nine in the opener, then they took caitin out for the entire third until they were tied or down a couple for her to try to clean up the mess. indiana could have won by 15 if they would have let her get her 35 points.

[@Ottovontubes]

Did I miss something or did CC slow down in the 4th quarter and miss the clutch shot that would have taken them into overtime?

[@back2sports]

Yes U missed that it was a preseason game and no one cares about the result of a meaningless game

[@Ottovontubes]

@@back2sports I'm willing to bet the actual players would have preferred to win. But you are perfectly fine assigning your own feelings onto them. It's called projection.

[@amanrush7722]

22 points in 28 minutes. I don't see any other player scored more than Caitlin Clark. Try harder hater.

[@KewlBrown]

I’m literally following the WNBA because of Caitlin Clark. Maybe I’ll like another player but for now I like how she plays. The WNBA should be catering to her in my opinion.

[@Adorkableguy]

If Caitlin Clark is not on the team then USA basketball is essentially stunting its own growth. Clark is red hot and while she doesn't have to play starters minutes. Just having her on the team draws eyes to the Olympics and then keeps those eyes on the WNBA when they return. If Adam Silver really wants this league to succeed then he needs to be more hands on than just writing checks to bail them out financially.

[@mark8697]

If Clark replaces Taurasi it is proof Santa Clause is real and Christmas came early.

[@cooldoctor174]

😂😂😂😂

[@back2sports]

And if DT remains in team it prove USA women basketball is a charity organisation

[@arthurmiller9434]

In addition to Taurasi, I would submit that Griner’s position on the Olympic team should be reconsidered. 😊

[@npt776]

You’re talking about a spot where neither one of them is gonna play much. If Clark gets the spot, it’s just to appease fans. It’s gonna be the equivalent to Christian laetner being on the dream team. You’re acting like a rookie is just gonna take over the team. It’s the 15th spot.

[@Robert-it1fb]

You definitely are prescient. This was a good look back.

[@a1612]

Taurasi is 41. what NBA player is still on court at that age? the fact that she can still compete is amazing or says something about the league. Lebron is 38 and he needs to retire.

[@VincentBaker-j1b]

You're right on both counts. Taurasi and James both need to move on from professional basketball. I guess maybe they're going to try to hang around until the Grim Reaper shows up.

[@cobra7282]

"still compete" is a bit of a stretch. She is still a decent offensive player (not great by any means) and she plays no defense. Can't imagine a team winning anything with her playing a big role at this point.

[@amanrush7722]

That's why wnba losing millions every year. Most fans don't watch dirty old players

[@cobra7282]

@@amanrush7722 The WNBA made roughly 200m in revenue last year (nearly double the number that was reported in 2019). Yes they lost money for years, but believe it or not they were already moving in a positive direction before CC showed up.

[@B_kinda]

I love Diana talking sh*t. She’s like coach Geno provoking players to prove the them wrong. Motivation. Hope Clark doesn’t replace DT. I’d love to see them play together.

[@amanrush7722]

That's why wnba losing millions every year. Most fans don't watch dirty mouth and players. And men pretending woman or woman try to be man.

[@oldguysrock2170]

During the NCAA women’s playoffs. Taurasi and Sue Bird were nothing but critical of Clark. The few times I saw them, it was obvious there was pure animosity towards Clark. I then googled Taurasi and Bird and learned of their LGBTQLMNOPXYZ ties.

[@VincentBaker-j1b]

I think you may be on to something there, although Sue Bird's husband, Megan Rapinoe, is the most manly woman I can think of, so she may not be entirely an anti-male loving woman.

[@hermit9852]

In this whole saga of the "Old Guard" of the WNBA like DT and SS, etc versus the "New Comers" like Caitlin, Angel, Kamilla, Cam Brink, etc here is a better way to think of it. The Older women of the WNBA (all of them, including Maya M, Sue Bird, Tamika, Cynthia Cooper, Lisa Leslie, Dawn Stanley, etc) are like Elvis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Little Richard, etc. However, Caitlin, Angel, Cameron, etc are like the Beatles, Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones, etc. They bring a whole new dimension of charisma, social media Fandom, and high energy to the game. Most of the "Old Girls" didn't see this coming or understand it. This doesn't make them less important historically, it is just that we are in a whole new era for the WNBA now. Buckle Up, it's going to be a wild ride!

[@kenw9537]

She doesn't need to be on the Olympic team to prove anything, she's the real deal. They are not on the same level that she is for sure. Go Caitlin....

[@SL123-zd6kf]

UMMMMM I would’ve never ever saw your channel or viewed your videos if Candace Clark wasn’t in the title! you need to need to need to make Candace Clark videos cause I like you, and that’s the only way more subscribers come your way

[@euclid216]

You left off some important facts: Clark's team still lost. Arike made a clutch 3 point shot to win the game. Clark still had tiem to make a 3 point attempt, but missed. So, no heroics. But hey, it was just a pre season game. Clark also got four fouls, which she is not used to.

[@giizodamulla7492]

Not impressed with this troll attempt 🥱

[@lamargettens2370]

And she only had 5 points in the 2nd

[@JA-gx4hb]

Who cares what happened in a preseason game?

[@davidhersh3805]

Shines? Maybe take a look at her FG% and 3 point FG% before you throw around the word shines. 😊

[@chewymatchewy]

Agreed! Much Ballyhoo for a player that can make very exciting long shots at a better clip than most but still not efficient enough to be worth it. It is kind of the reason why most others don't take that shot. Not Smart. She pushes off constantly and who can blame her because the refs never call it. She is a very good player but really this hype is ridiculous. She is exciting to watch because she can make long threes better than anyone else. Good handles and good passer. Terrible on Defense, Turnover machine, Flopper and needing attention for every minor boo boo where the coaches come out on the floor to dote on her to kiss her boo boos away. Iowa enabled her. Let her shoot more than anyone in College and didn't care that she played zero defense. I think she is a stat chasing player much like Harden or Westbrook. 37.8% from 3 this season. Is that really that great? Above avg yes Great No. 45.5% from the floor which ranks as the 42nd best of all NCAA GUARDS this season. I would argue is not special at all. Top 5 in avg turnovers for her career at around 4.5 a game. If you watch her play Defense you can tell she is conserving her energy for offense and the glory that brings her or trying to scoop up the rebound that her teammates expertly blocked out for instead of guarding her player. Westbrook would do this to get his triple double stats padded. This is pretty crazy overhype. She shoots more shots than anyone and scores more than anyone. Wow amazing! I would argue that Iowas players were way better than the second fiddle that they are given to keep them in games where the chuckster was really off. I guess chicks dig the long ball and Casual Basketball Fans dig the long 3 no matter the consequence. Stop the hype over the player that scores more points. It really isn't the mark of greatness that people make it out to be.

[@cobra7282]

"had some great moments" would have been a bit more accurate. She still turned the ball over a bunch and missed quite a few ill advised shots.

[@cobra7282]

@@chewymatchewy Was watching the game and one of the commentators was praising her for how great of a defender she is and I had to a double check to make sure he was talking about CC and he was. Doesn't know what he's talking about to say the least..

[@Locsmth]

Does anyone else remember the years of trying to convince your family and friends to watch Women’s basketball?

[@B_kinda]

Here in CT we have been on board for the longest time waiting for the rest of the world to catch up.

[@taipan1234]

Caitlin Clark can do anything except win a National Championship..

[@davidverlaney7764]

She did better than Kevin Durant or Shaquille O'Neal when they played one year college. She wasn't on a team loaded with five stars.

[@taipan1234]

@@davidverlaney7764 Caitlin Clark worshipers like yourself love to insinuate.. that she's in the "Justice League", like is "Superman and friends", akin to "Caitlin Clark and Friends".. that is a lie.. Caitlin Clark's teammates are great players.. one was even drafted in the WNBA, Kate Martin. And Caitlin Clark still could not get the Done.. even though her are great role players..

[@audryhaynes3277]

Back in the early 2000s when the WNBA was getting all those Super Stars from UConn I was expecting to become a WNBA fan. I stuck it out for a while, but it just wasn't much fun. I said at the time that maybe the College teams had already snapped up all the good coaches. Also, I don't think the sports world was yet ready for professional Woman's Basketball. College Women's Basketball however began a run that eventually brought it into the National limelight and today Women's College Basketball has several powerhouse programs, has produced a goodly number of Super Stars, and maybe, just maybe has set the stage for a successful WNBA, and Caitlin Clark may well be the spark that ignites that fire. She's going to change the game and maybe that's what everyone is so afraid of, but maybe that's exactly what is needed to drive the WNBA to be what it could be instead of dying on the vine, which is where it's been headed. I don't know if there is something ugly that's showing it's head here or if it's just jealousy, but I can't help but wonder. It seems like a player with CC's power to draw arena packing crowds would be celebrated, not dissed and hated on. I hope the fact that she is an attractive, straight, cis, white woman who's not covered with tattoos has nothing to do with it, but it does make me wonder.

[@jabber-p8p]

CC will be on the Olympic team just because of the financial aspect based off of her talent.

[@joysgroove]

I can already see the replies to caitlin taking taurasi’s spot in the olympics. She might’ve spoken too soon

[@omarpinnock3899]

yes for caitlin also ANGEL REESE AND CARDOSSA

[@smoothblink]

As a CC fan, I personally hope she doesn't go to the Olympics this year. She needs time to get stronger in the off season, because there is a real concern for injury going into the Olympics. Those players are big, strong, and experienced. It would be a shame if she only went to boost veiwership and ended up with an awful injury she'll need a year to recover from. There are so many other great players who could step in who have had more time to adjust to the W. She doesn't need to go her Rookie year. Let the girl rest. 😅

[@tommy2chips]

Caitlin Clark is doing things which has ever been done by a female athlete in the history of sports in the USA. If Caitlin Clark makes the Olympic team fine . If not no big deal.

[@dp2120]

DT and Caitlin don’t even play the same position, so this is a fabricated conversation. If anything, CC would be taking the spot Sue Bird left open.

[@josephmorabito6992]

Caitlin Clark will be fine. It is just rookie hazing and jealousy. Eventually they know for the betterment of the WNBA game they need her. I still don't think it will change anything. They can try to come at her all they want, hard to guard someone that can dribble, shoot, pass

[@ramonpunsalang3397]

Taurasi is selfish for wanting an Olympic berth. She's not entitled. to it, 5 Olympics is more than enough. Give others the opportunity to represent their country.

[@cola7ups823]

Diana Taurasi's lifestyle is not a reality, she has a wife instead of a husband. Enough said. Caitlin Clark is a great player and she is filling out empty seats and selling out merchandise. This is what the sponsors want , that is what counts. Money talks. In every sport there is a Caitlin Clark and it is time for the WNBA to rid itself of all these senior citizens and began replacing them with younger talent.

[@09flstcmcodonnell42]

Kelsey Mitchell from Ohio State is on that team and she was Rookie of the Year the year she came in right now she is injured nursing a bad foot when she is better that team is going to be a lot better I hope they beat DT's butt

[@JuliaJuanaAlvarez]

Players like Clark are only able to do what they do because players like Tausari have build up the league to where it is now. There wouldn't be a Clark without the women who came before. The lack of respect and arrogance from those young players is quite amazing

[@craigpittman9764]

It's time for Taurasi to hang up her Olympic games marathon run.

[@edwinnakamura1726]

Yup, to the haters, Clark was rusty in debut……..a shameful 21 points in 28 minutes!!

[@flyparks3224]

I thought she was retired. She two years younger than me and im going be 44

[@erikaenander5374]

I would predict a rather harsh backlash from all quarters if CC is not on the olympic team. And guess what? Reality is here. CC sold out the arena, and thats is by far the most important element of all this. Her bb skill is definitely important, because without it, nothing catches fire. Im just waiting to see how long it takes for the WNBA to mistreat her, mishandle her image, or mishandle her. Or, frankly, I am expecting a season ending foul. I still think that many of players resent her. She’s the wrong color. And i think there is a deep jealousy toward her that may turn really ugly. I hope not. Every accolade she has been awarded, she earned, by her hard work, team plat, and skill.

[@jmbelarmin]

Caitlin IS Reality. Hey Diana, Reality is coming. She’s coming for you lol!

[@drewtheiss3064]

The reason that the WNBA will never be successful because of players like Taurasi. She is all about herself. The game will only change when the older players actually embrace the new faces.

[@ChrisDavis-dt6xx]

Taurasi can eat her words. He game tonight she only has 10 points in 3 quarters of play

[@Michael-of6zf]

Just my observation.. If the WNBA wants to become more popular they need to get rid of the players that have been playing for 15-20 years. When something becomes stale replace it with fresher stuff. The audience that will watch WNBA and buy their stuff are teens and young adults not a 50 year old woman. Ask a room full of girls who Taurasi is and you might get one who will know. Ask the same group who Boston, CC and Angel Resse and everyone of them will tell you. Give your audeince what they want and they will keep coming back.

[@preston74]

If Nike makes the CC22 in men's sizes, im buying a pair! Who's with me?

[@peterburns3200]

Clark should be on the Olympic team

[@jammingammon1]

It depends on if they decide to cater to Taurasi or not. Remember, this would give her six gold medals, breaking the record for U. S. Olympic gold medals.

[@johnsteward132]

Actually Sheryl Swoops is the Queen of the liars, and haters. She shouldn't be allowed to broadcast any more of Clark's games. Swoops: No....I didn't SEE that deep 3 that Clark just made. ......Sitting courtside. Give me a break. Don't let her cost the wnba any fans!

[@jdneely9939]

Stockton/Malone duo.

[@back2sports]

yes

[@bryronpalmer3581]

Malone had a lethal mid-range jumper.Aliyah doesn't,yet.

[@cobra7282]

@@bryronpalmer3581 Stockton was also a pass first player and a very good defender.

[@bryronpalmer3581]

@cobra7282 A great pick n roll duo can exploits whatever the gives them

[@bryronpalmer3581]

@cobra7282 CC passing is just as good as her shooting imo.Her defense can improve but as long as she's accurate with those 3's people will watch

[@Wombatmetal]

So will Clark replace Taurasi on the WNBA logo? We've had legacy picks for the Olympics since Larry Bird was picked late in his career with his bad back. Clark should go though

[@VincentBaker-j1b]

Clark should definitely replace Taurasi on the logo. Clark will sell out arenas nationwide. Nobody pays for tickets strictly to see Taurasi.

[@ppoint432]

Too much politics have been going on with the US Women's team. They definitely pick players based of fit and talent, and not legacy.

[@ReadR00ster1]

It was a meaningless preseaon game. To draw any conclusions out of these presason games is pretty silly.

[@DTRIPLESOWKOW]

Diana is punching air

[@grahamclarke9338]

Diana needs to step aside and let the younger better stars carryon and improve the wnba

[@THuff808]

Taurasi is riding on her past plays. She needs to retire. Women's basketball has evolved. It's time to start the new era! Finally WNBA will be recognized as a legitimate league.

[@johnsteward132]

DT should lose her spot. She's been on that team at least 4 times. She should voluntarily step down and not be so selfish. Give someone else a chance.

[@saxismyax]

I have the players I most enjoy watching. If we’re going for legacy, I’d love to see Cheryl Miller dress out one more time. 😂 Seriously though, I’d prefer women who are proud to represent their fans and their country. If they do that and play the best level they can, I’m good.

[@lamargettens2370]

But you want Clark to be giving a spot cause she’s a rookie with a fan base Diana still can play she should be there that’s like saying curry shouldn’t be on the USA team or labron shouldn’t be there

[@maveh221]

Just hating out of jealousy, all the wnba does is shoot threes and layups anyway, Caitlin will shine.

[@UncleOodoo]

DT should have retired 2 years ago..... she is bad for the sport and definitely bad for USA basketball..... I’m not a CC fan but DT is just bad......

[@colpul2103]

Umm, Caitlin did not have some awesome game: 21 pts on 40% shooting, with 2 assists (2 assists is hardly a banger for a point guard). Granted, five of those shots were 3 pointers but that combined with 2 assists only means 1) she wasn't penetrating, 2) she wasn't effective in transition. Don't get me wrong it was a fine first game but hardly a 'holey cow' game. It is about where all the 'haters' said she'd be; talent translates so she'll be good but not dominant as college. It might also help her case if she would at least try and play defense instead of resting for the offensive end because right now she's a liability defensively on the point. The consensus from WNBA players seems to have been that she'd be a very good pro in the end and would improve as she adjusted to the more physical and talented WNBA. Her rookie season she'd be around 16-18pt/gm w/ 5-7 assists was kind of where people like Taurasi and Bird had her. For comparison: Taurasi's debut she scored 22 pts and had 5 rebounds. Her rookie season she average 17 pts, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. That's around where Caitlin will end up. Will people stop white knight simping for Caitlin. I was a Caitlin fan but all the know nothing fans that just discovered women's basketball and think Caitlin is some sort of super woman and anyone who isn't already buying tickets to her hall of fame induction are just 'haters' is really turning me off her. She is a very player, she is very much a star, her impact on the growth of the fandom is huge: but she is not the the greatest player ever. She may become the GOAT but if before you heard of Caitlin you could not name 5 WNBA teams or 4 players on last year's All Star team you have no business talking debating greatest of all time. Most of the know nothing newbies never even saw the likes of Cheryl Miller play so just shut your ignorant trap. And the whole 'Taurasi is hating' thing is soooo sexist. I don't see any vids on your channel about how hard NBA vets and former players are on rookies coming in. Taurasi never said Caitlin would be bad or that she would fail. She said she had an adjustment coming and the WNBA was a different beast to the NCAA. Nothing Taurasi said was untrue and you have to squint and turn your head sideways to see it as 'dissing' or trash talking. And, even if you look do you have to also say Taurasi was dissing herself because she said 'every rookie has that adjustment, including me'. She said Paige is a better basketball player and there is a very good case for that. Caitlin is a bigger star but Paige is a much more complete player. Paige can effectively guard Caitlin but Caitlin cannot effectively guard Paige. Don't get me wrong, I'm not arguing one way or the other because it's a stupid debate but just saying there is a very good case both ways so a a UConn alum Taurasi was not hating or way off base picking Paige. Personally, if I had to pick the best player at the tournament this season it would be JuJu Watkins.

[@back2sports]

Gravity - it changes the games & that is what she has like no one else.

[@colpul2103]

@@back2sports If by gravity you mean charisma or 'star power' then I agree. If you mean she takes the game more gravely then I disagree. She is a very good baller, She very much has the potential to be a hall of famer, she has a lot of charisma in her game, she is fun/exciting to watch. She does have a lot in common with Steph Curry in that sense. He also had a ton of hype entering the league because of his 'logo trays'. I could see her career being much like his. We'll see, she isn't a athletically super gifted player and was very hampered by the in your face man to man of Muhl and Raven Johnson by their length and athleticism in the final 4. The WNBA is much more physical than the NCAA and you get a sixth foul. Combine that with relatively no weak links on opposing defenses there's a lot she's going to need to adjust to. I'm very interested to see what defensive adjustments teams make or don't make, how the beating of a full season wears on her, and how much her lack of defense will weigh against her offensive abilities playing teams with no offensively weak guard or wing to put her on. I think she'll be fine, she has a high basketball IQ and adjustments go both ways, but it will be fun to watch. Players like Larry Bird adjusted to not being great defenders by becoming really good team defenders, she may too. However, her game is being overhyped right now before she's actually achieved anything in the pros by people that are Catlin fans and but not actual basketball fans and have never watched a WNBA game prior to this season.

[@Ridneymaxwell95]

Sometimes if you don't know someone or what you're talking about it's best to keep your mouth shut

[@charliefortin555]

Longtime fan of Taurasi but Clark should replace her on Team Olympic. Her tiff with Clark made her look small.

[@back2sports]

was not great.

[@YouScareMe1]

Caitlin Clark in her actual first wnba game had 11 turnovers. DT was right.

[@jackfanning7952]

Diana Taurasi is Auntie Drew.

[@billiestevens318]

DT it’s just helping raise hype, which makes whoever is covering the basketball games more money. Everybody thinks it’s personal or just complete sheep. Don’t understand how this is all a push to make money off of sheep it’s still on watchable basketball.

[@VincentBaker-j1b]

Caitlin Clark should make the Olympic team. It's past time for Taurasi to exit the stage and call it a career. Taurasi is a shadow of her former self, over-the-hill, and has become a whiner in her old age. Taurasi needs to invest in a good rocking chair, sit in it on the porch and watch the grass grow.

[@Davan1331-x1p]

Let’s compare Downer Diana’s rookie season numbers to CC’s rookie season numbers. I know where the money will be bet on. Maybe she’ll shut up

[@charlesevans9204]

She will make the Opympic team in Paris end of story

[@marlonmagdadaro4165]

6/15 shooting, plus 5 turnovers.. yeah, clark did shine

[@jperkins1269]

She had better be careful because they are going to try to hurt her.

[@johnsteward132]

DT has been on the Olympic team 4 or 5 times. She should step down and let somebody else enjoy the experience.

[@RustyLou18]

Clark did a great job, but the Fever still lost.

[@ricardoa.aggabao8413]

Caitlin Clark will not included in the USA Teams? … if they … the committee making the choice … can stomach that she be not included … that’s on them …

[@SoCaliGuyHB394]

A Boston is NOT in shape! She's gassed after 4 minutes of fast paced run n gun, which is CC's strength. Coach must spend more time on conditioning and fast paced bball for Fever to get in playoffs.

[@leanwitrockwit2087]

DT is not being left off any roster. Please lmao