Caitlin Clark and Diana Taurasi (Photos via Getty Images)

The Phoenix Mercury have stirred the pot ahead of Caitlin Clark’s upcoming game against Diana Taurasi.

The WNBA will resume this Friday, and they aren’t going the slow-boil route where matchups are concerned. They’re pitting Clark and Taurasi against each other right away.

There is a rivalry between the rookie and the veteran, though they probably won’t admit it. But Taurasi would probably like to get one over the Indiana Fever star in what could be their last game against each other unless they meet in the playoffs.

Clark snagged the bragging rights the last time they met and even helped the All-Star team beat Team USA ahead of the Olympics. The former Iowa Hawkeyes guard was not selected as an Olympian in what was a shocking decision, but Taurasi made the team and has since returned from Paris with gold.

The Phoenix Mercury Wants To Get Under Caitlin Clark’s Skin In The Buildup To Their Upcoming Matchup

The Mercury’s chosen to stoke the flames ahead of their second matchup of the season, posting a video to TikTok showing Taurasi knocking down several shots and a kid throwing shade at Clark.

It appears it doesn’t matter to them that Caitlin Clark has a 1-0 record over her veteran rival. Then again, they’re hoping that changes when they meet again on Friday.

Of course, it would be doubly embarrassing if the rookie goes up 2-0. She is the better rested of the two as she had a whole month off while Diana Taurasi was in France.

VIDEO: Phoenix Mercury Star Goes Off on Caitlin Clark After Rookie’s Brutal Foul on the Veteran (nuna)