UConn legend and Phoenix Mercury star, Diana Taurasi, etched her name in basketball history by becoming the first WNBA player to achieve an impressive milestone – 10,000 points. She accomplished this feat during a game against the Atlanta Dream on Thursday night, with 8:23 remaining in the third quarter.
As the record-breaking 3-pointer left her fingertips and found its mark, the crowd in Phoenix erupted in joy, and Taurasi’s teammates joined in the celebration. She humbly expressed her gratitude towards her teammates, recognizing that this achievement was a collective effort.
Diana Taurasi showcased her timeless brilliance on the court, delivering a vintage performance with a season-high 42 points. She shot an impressive 12 of 21 from the field, including 6 of 13 from beyond the arc. Moreover, she demonstrated her proficiency from the free-throw line, converting all 12 of her attempts. Her spectacular display of talent contributed to the Mercury’s commanding 91-71 victory.
The 41-year-old guard entered the game needing 18 points to reach the coveted 10,000-point milestone, but she surpassed expectations by finishing the game at an impressive 10,024 career points. Taurasi, with a playful grin, joked that the next day, she would feel like she’s 50.
The basketball world, including WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, celebrated Taurasi’s historic accomplishment. Engelbert praised Taurasi’s dedication, skill, competitive spirit, and her ability to captivate fans with her scoring prowess and basketball IQ.
Taurasi’s journey to the milestone began early in the game, as she drained a corner 3-pointer just two minutes after the tip-off. She continued to score consistently, reaching 10 points by halftime. The third quarter saw her shine even brighter, scoring a layup on the team’s first possession and then connecting on back-to-back 3-pointers to surpass 10,000 points.
Amidst the emotional moment, Diana Taurasi focused on her team’s success, stating that her primary goal was to secure a victory. Despite a challenging season for the Mercury with a 7-19 record, this achievement brought a sense of unity and pride to the entire franchise.
Following the game, Taurasi received numerous tributes and gifts, underscoring her impact on the sport. The video board featured messages from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, tennis legend Billie Jean King, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.
Taurasi’s legacy extends beyond her regular-season scoring record; she also holds the top spot for postseason scoring. Throughout her illustrious career, she led the Mercury to three WNBA championships and earned two Finals MVP awards. Her scoring average of over 19 points per game, including a career-high of 25.3 points in 2006, solidifies her place as one of the greatest players in WNBA history.
With more than 2,500 points ahead of the second-place scorer, Tina Thompson, Taurasi’s 10,000-point milestone is a testament to her extraordinary talent, commitment, and enduring impact on the game of basketball.
In the same game, Cheyenne Parker scored 20 points for the Atlanta Dream, but the night truly belonged to Diana Taurasi and her historic achievement.
Source : NBC Conneticut
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