In a league where rivalries often spill over from the court to social media platforms, the Phoenix Mercury stirred the pot once again, taking a sharp jab at fans of rising star Caitlin Clark.
Caitlin Clark’s thoughtful analysis of her WNBA debut in the Indiana-Dallas game
Mercury give history lesson to Caitlin Clark fansEarlier this year, the Mercury’s veteran, Diana Taurasi, raised eyebrows with her comments about Clark’s transition to the WNBA, stating that “reality is coming” for the former Iowa standout.Taurasi’s remarks, echoing sentiments about the challenges rookies face in the professional league, ignited a firestorm among Clark’s supporters.
Clark, making her preseason debut with the Indiana Fever, showcased her undeniable talent, dropping an impressive 21 points in her first outing.
However, amidst the buzz surrounding her performance, some of Clark’s fervent fans took to social media to defend her honor against Taurasi’s critique.
Not one to back down, the Mercury responded with a succinct yet pointed message, reminding Clark’s supporters of the storied legacy of women’s basketball that precedes her arrival.
We love that our league is growing and that you’re here, but we have 27 years of exceptional women’s basketball history for you to catch up on. https://t.co/upj64DvIBC
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 5, 2024
With a post on Sunday, the team redirected fans to a video chronicling Taurasi’s illustrious career, implying that there’s much more to the game than the buzz behind Clark.
The tension between Clark’s devotees and the Mercury is set to escalate as the two teams are scheduled to clash on June 30.
As anticipation builds for this showdown, it seems the sparks ignited by Taurasi’s comments continue to smolder.
https://twitter.com/IndianaFever?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1786783994274627973%7Ctwgr%5Ee29409a2fe9fe76a16226e1055b27e476c60aec8%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marca.com%2Fen%2Fbasketball%2Fwnba%2Findiana-fever%2F2024%2F05%2F07%2F663953f9ca47418e668b458a.html
Mercury to change ownership soon
Meanwhile, off the court, the Mercury find themselves amidst a whirlwind of change.
Embattled owner Robert Sarver’s decision to divest himself of both the NBA’sPhoenix Suns and the WNBA’sMercury comes in the wake of controversy, with Sarver facing disciplinary action for alleged misconduct.
In a statement Server said:
“I expected that the commissioner’s one-year suspension would provide the time for me to focus, make amends and remove my personal controversy from the teams that I and so many fans love,”
He went on saying, “In our current unforgiving climate, it has become painfully clear that that is no longer possible – that whatever good I have done, or could still do, is outweighed by things I have said in the past. For those reasons, I am beginning the process of seeking buyers for the Suns and Mercury.”
Last week, the league fined Sarver $10 million and gave him a one-year suspension after an investigative report that shed light on Sarver’s use of racist and sexist language, unfair treatment of female employees, bullying and distribution of pornography via email.
