In basketball, few friendships are as strong and competitive as the one between Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi. These two legends built their legacies side by side. They are sharing a behind-the-scenes story that shows just how intense things can get, despite their close bond.
Recently, Bird shared a story about a fierce game between them, which suggests that even close friends can have heated moments on the court. Her candid and hilarious confession is making waves in the WNBA community.
Sue Bird Gets Candid About Tough Love With Taurasi in Intense On-Court Moment
On her recent appearance on Cameron Brink and Sydel Curry-Lee’s “Straight to Cam” podcast, Bird shared a rare story about a 1-on-1 game with Taurasi while playing overseas. These two legends have won five Olympic gold medals together and faced off many times in the WNBA, but they had never truly battled one-on-one until that day. However, they were also intense with both stars trading jabs and trash talk.
Reflecting on that feeling, Bird said, “Is it possible that certain players in this league don’t like each other? Yeah, that’s sports,” Bird exclaimed. “You know how many times I’ve wanted to literally punch [Diana Taurasi] in the face? My best friend, but I hate her on the court.”
“Who doesn’t want to punch her in the face when they face her?” 😂@S10Bird recalls the one and only time she played @DianaTaurasi 1v1. pic.twitter.com/KBZE1ElPT6
— Straight to Cam (@straight2cam) June 17, 2025
Their conversation also highlights the intense rivalries in the game today, like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Their rivalry started in the 2023 Women’s NCAA National Championship when Reese made a bold ring finger gesture to taunt Clark. Since then, the media have closely followed every game they play against each other, waiting for new storylines to emerge.
After Bird finished her part, the trio laughed about a TikTok that A’ja Wilson shared right after the Olympic win. Bird teased the conversation, and the two followed with their input. “Wait, you didn’t see the TikTok that A’ja Wilson did after we won the gold medal?”.
In the video, Taurasi can be seen pulling off her statement move. Brink is quick to crack a joke: “She looks like she is in pain when she’s doing it.” With that, the three erupt into raucous laughter. Despite their WNBA careers long over, the banter lives on.
Bird’s story will resonate with fans for its humor and because it humanizes two of the game’s greatest icons. Bird and Taurasi faced off 46 times in the WNBA, setting the league record for the most meetings between two players. And while their on-court heroics are seriously missed, beyond the intense moments of action, Bird and Taurasi were friends, and their relationship has outlasted their WNBA careers.
