Diana Taurasi, the Phoenix Mercury guard, has reached a major career milestone by surpassing 10,000 career regular-season points in the WNBA. Taurasi achieved this feat during a game against the Atlanta Dream at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Thursday night. She scored the milestone 3-pointer, causing the fans and her teammates to erupt in celebration. Taurasi finished the game with a season-high 42 points, leading the Mercury to a 91-71 victory, breaking their four-game losing streak.
To commemorate this achievement, the Mercury celebrated with live goats in the arena, creating a petting zoo experience for the fans. Each fan present at the game also received a placard congratulating Taurasi on her 10,000 points. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised Taurasi’s skill, determination, and dedication to the game, stating that her milestone is a testament to her incredible scoring ability, clutch performances, and basketball IQ.
Taurasi, who is 41 years old, broke the league’s scoring record in June 2017 when she surpassed Tina Thompson’s career points of 7,489. She reached 9,000 points in June 2021 during the league’s 25th anniversary season. Taurasi’s achievement puts her in an elite group, with only three other players in WNBA history scoring at least 7,000 points. However, none of these players are currently active in the league.
Taurasi’s career has been marked by her dedication and commitment to the game. Despite battling injuries over the past four seasons, she has consistently shown up and delivered exceptional performances. Mercury president Vince Kozar commended Taurasi for her work ethic and described her as a great example for everyone.
Taurasi’s milestone adds to her legacy as one of the greatest players in WNBA history. She has won three WNBA championships, was named Rookie of the Year in 2004, and earned the league MVP title in 2009. Taurasi has been selected for the All-Star team 10 times and has been recognized with numerous All-WNBA honors throughout her career.
The Mercury has documented Taurasi’s journey to 10,000 points through their video series called “The Drive.” In one of the episodes, Taurasi reflected on her career and the special moments that have made an impact on her. She emphasized the importance of organic scoring that contributes to the team’s success and highlighted the joy she finds in unexpected victories.
Taurasi’s achievements have solidified her standing as the GOAT (greatest of all time) in the WNBA. She was voted the GOAT in a fan poll during the league’s 25th anniversary season. Taurasi’s impact on the game and her status as a future Hall of Famer are undisputed.
Looking ahead, Taurasi is committed to fulfilling her two-year contract with the Mercury, which runs through the 2024 season. She has expressed her desire to play in the Olympics again, aiming for a sixth Olympic Games appearance in Paris next summer. With five Olympic gold medals to her name, Taurasi’s presence in the WNBA is highly valued by her peers and fans.