Watch: Damian Lillard shares heartfelt embrace with Diana Taurasi and Angel Reese after Sky vs Mercury game

By Juan Paolo David

Modified Aug 19, 2024 05:27 GMT

Milwaukee Bucks superstar guard Damian Lillard was in attendance at the Footprint Center for the Phoenix Mercury vs. Chicago Sky game on Sunday. Lillard shared a heartfelt embrace with Diana Taurasi and Angel Reese following the Mercury's blowout victory.

In the video below uploaded by the WNBA on X, formerly known as Twitter, Lillard was seen hugging Taurasi on the sidelines. The two were exchanging pleasantries when Reese arrived toward the end of the reel to give the Bucks guard a friendly hug.

Reese had a great game for the Sky with 19 points and 20 rebounds, going 8-for-16 from the field and 3-for-5 from the free-throw line. Taurasi, meanwhile, put up 23 points, three rebounds and five assists in Phoenix's impressive 86-68 win.

Here's the video of the interactions:

Damian Lillard has been a supporter of the WNBA for years and was enjoying the offseason when he stopped in Arizona to watch the Phoenix Mercury-Chicago Sky matchup. Lillard was courtside to witness the Mercury dominating the Sky although it was a historic night for Angel Reese.

The 22-year-old forward recorded her 20th double-double of the season, becoming the fastest player to achieve the feat. However, she was the lone bright spot for Chicago on Sunday night. Kamilla Cardoso was in foul trouble, and the Sky need a playmaker to make things easier.

Chennedy Carter contributed 16 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Cardoso finished with 12 points, four rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes of action.

Meanwhile, Brittney Griner had 18 points, five rebounds and three assists for the Mercury. Sophie Cunningham added a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Monique Billings put up 13 points and eight rebounds off the bench.

The Mercury blitzed the Sky in the first quarter and never looked back. Chicago tried to mount a comeback in the third period, but Phoenix quickly regained momentum.

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Damian Lillard advocated for WNBA players' salary increase

Damian Lillard advocated for WNBA players' salary increase. (Photo IMAGN)

Damian Lillard is one of many NBA players who has advocated for fair pay for WNBA players over the years. Lillard explained in a 2017 interview why the women deserved a pay increase.

"They deserve a lot more respect. They deserve to make a lot more money than they do. I think it's time people start recognizing that they are professional athletes, and they should be treated like it, and their league should be elevated," Lillard said. [H/T Yahoo! Sports]

Fast forward to 2024, the WNBA has a competitive salary structure that will improve once the new broadcast deal starts in 2026. The arrival of players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has also brought more eyes to the sport, taking it to a new level of popularity.