Image Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Sophie Cunningham Labels Diana Taurasi ‘GOAT’, Talks About Her Impact on Basketball

Sophie Cunningham talked about Diana Taurasi and her impact on basketball.

Image Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham talked about the impact Diana Taurasi has had on the game. Cunningham spent six years of her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury, and played alongside Taurasi in the team. However, following a four-team trade earlier this year, Cunningham moved to Indianapolis and joined forces with Caitlin Clark, the latest Fever sensation. Having played with both Taurasi and Clark, shared a unique perspective on how both players have had an impact on basketball.

She appeared on The Right Reed podcast, and said that Taurasi, a three-time WNBA champion and a six-time Olympic champion, is the greatest player of all time. Cunningham stated, “Everyone can argue that [Taurasi] is the greatest of all time. What she does, what she has done for this game, is unbelievable. She’s the reason why CC [Clark] gets to be where she’s at.”

Notably, the 43-year-old is a 14-time WNBA All-Star member, a five-time scoring leader and the 2009 MVP. She announced her retirement early in February 2024. As she neared the end of her career, Clark rose to prominence, exceeded all expectations, and went on to win the Rookie of the Year while finishing fourth in MVP voting.

Diana Taurasi vs Caitlin Clark: Head to Head Stats and Records

Diana Taurasi and Caitlin Clark locked horns twice before the former decided to hang her boot. On both those occasions, Clark-led Fever outclassed the Mercury and the 23-year-old leads the tally 2-0 against the WNBA legend. Ironically, Taurasi predicted Clark to struggle in her rookie year, and all eyes were set on the former Iowa star. In the first showdown between Clark and Taurasi, the Fever took down the Mercury 88-82, and Indiana star delivered 15 points, nine rebounds, and 12 assists.

In their second clash, Clark delivered 20 points, six rebounds, and 13 assists as the Fever defeated the Mercury 95-86. Taurasi, on the other hand, averaged 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in two appearances against Clark.

Caitlin Clark

Diana Taurasi

Sophie Cunningham

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.