"Mother and daughter sharing a moment": Fans react to Diana Taurasi's heartfelt in-game moment with Caitlin Clark 

After a remarkable start to the season, Caitlin Clark has firmly established herself as one of the WNBA's superstars. The Iowa native has earned the respect of her peers through hark work, determination and some great performances.

During Friday's encounter between the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury, former WNBA MVP and three-time league champion Diana Taurasi shared a special moment with Clark. The veteran, who has featured in over 600 WNBA games since making her debut in 2004, was spotted embracing the rookie by giving her a lively and brisk hug during a free throw.

The heartfelt in-game moment between Taurasi and Clark was captured on camera with many fans on social media pointing out the special bond that has developed between these two superstars.

"Mother and daughter sharing a moment," a fan said.

Diana Taurasi embaces Caitlin Clark during a free throw. Image Credit: r/wnba Reddit account

"Diana really loves that girl it's so sweet," a fan added.

"Mama GOAT and baby GOAT?" another fan said.

"I don't know if more respect can be conveyed in a 2 second exchange," another fan added.

Taurasi's preseason comments about Clark raised some eyebrows. Earlier this year, the Mercury guard questioned whether the young sharpshooter could make an instant impact at the pro level:

"You look superhuman playing against 18 year olds, but you’re going to (be playing against) some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time. ... There is gonna be a transition period where you’re gonna have to give yourself some grace as a rookie."

The two players have faced off three times in the regular season with Clark getting the better of her counterpart on all three occasions.

The Fever won Friday's game 98-89, with Caitlin Clark leading the way with 29 points, 10 assists and five rebounds.

Caitlin Clark's strong year has the Indiana Fever on the verge of making playoffs for the first time in 8 seasons

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark shoots over Dallas Wings center Teaira McCowan during the first half at College Park Center. Photo Credit: Imagn

The arrival of Caitlin Clark has transformed the fortunes of a franchise that has struggled to compete in the WNBA for close to a decade and hasn't made the past seven playoffs. Prior to Clark's arrival, the team won just 24 of their 108 games over the last three seasons.

A string of standout performances from Clark since June have the Indiana Fever on the verge of their first playoff birth since 2016. The team currently sit seventh in the WNBA standings, holding a one game lead over the Chicago Sky. With just 13 games remaining this season, the Fever are in a strong position to finish in the top eight and qualify for the postseason.

Over 27 games so far this season, Clark is averaging 17.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game.