In the middle of the Minnesota Lynx’s 85-62 win over the Phoenix Mercury in the Western Conference Finals opener, Diana Taurasi and out athlete Seimone Augustus started, what I like to call, “brickwalling” each other. Such altercations aren’t rare, especially when the players have been facing off in high intensity games for over a decade. In-game tiffs go both ways all the time. Either things become more and more physical until refs need to get involved or there is some small gesture of friendship, sportsmanship, or goofiness that immediately eases the tension while acknowledging the competitive spirit of those involved. Never have I seen it be as hilarious as this. If you’re familiar with Diana Taurasi’s persona, it’s no surprise she’s pulled off this stunt in such a funny way. And had it not been a player she’s friends with, maybe it wouldn’t have gone over at all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S68TXBpMXpA
Props to the ref who gave each player a personal foul, effectively deescalating an uncertain situation right away. After the game, Augustus noted that Taurasi has always “…wanted some of my deliciousness” and Taurasi insists they “…were just trying to make sweet love.” This might be the best argument for you all to watch the WNBA that there’s ever been.
