Diana Taurasi is a basketball legend, and on Thursday night, the perennial All-Star known as the “White Mamba” added another milestone to her storied WNBA career.
The 41-year-old became the first WNBA player to reach 10,000 points with a deep 3-pointer in the third quarter of a game against the Atlanta Dream. She scored 42 points in Phoenix’s 91-71 triumph, bringing her season total to 10,024.
Taurasi, like most greats in any sport, has said that she has always prioritised victory above milestones and records.
“I really don’t think about the number, I really don’t,” Taurasi said after scoring 29 points in Tuesday night’s one-point defeat to Indiana. “I’ve always said I just play basketball because I enjoy it.” The only reason I continue to come to the gym is because I still like playing, and you know, this gang still comes every day.”
The group is present but not victorious. Although Taurasi has been focused on salvaging a losing season for the only WNBA club she has ever played for, it is tough to ignore the impending milestone.
Taurasi’s 10,000 points placed her more over 2,500 points ahead of Tina Thompson in second place. Taurasi, who has averaged 19.1 points in her career, got her first decent opportunity at the milestone against Atlanta on Thursday night and delivered.
“On behalf of the WNBA and basketball fans around the world, I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Diana on reaching the incredible milestone of 10,000 points as she continues to write new chapters in her illustrious WNBA career.” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert made the announcement in a statement.
“Diana’s accomplishment is a testament to her skill, determination, and unwavering dedication to the game, which has captivated fans with her incredible scoring ability, clutch performances, and unparalleled basketball IQ.” We are honoured to be here at this historic event.”
DeWanna Bonner is the list’s next closest active player. The almost 36-year-old Connecticut Sun forward trails Taurasi by roughly 3,300 points.
“What she’s been able to do for such a long period of time has been truly incredible,” said Bonner, who spent the first ten years of Taurasi’s career with her in Phoenix. “I’ve seen firsthand how hard she works and what she’s accomplished, and it’s incredible.”
Jewell Loyd, the current WNBA scoring leader, scored 4,458 points in her nine-year career. If she averaged 20 points per game, it would take her another 277 games to reach the 10,000-point plateau. Despite the fact that the league’s schedule has been enlarged to 40 games every year, Loyd does not believe she would play long enough to get that many points.
Taurasi doesn’t recall most of her points, but the game in which she broke Thompson’s record in 2017 will always be important to her since it took place in her hometown of Los Angeles and the late Kobe Bryant was there. Taurasi surpassed Thompson’s record with a layup, and Bryant called her “White Mamba” after the game, a play on his own title “Black Mamba.”
“I remember that because of where it was and who was there,” Taurasi said of the incident. “If you add up all the points I’ve scored overseas over the years, I’m way over 10,000.”
Taurasi’s 10,000th WNBA point came in front of a home audience at the Footprint Centre, and the importance isn’t lost on her.
“When it happens, it will be a cool moment for our city, for our franchise,” she said. “Really for all the people who have been in my corner for a long time.”
Since being picked first overall out of UConn in 2004, Taurasi has been a pillar of the Phoenix franchise. She is not only the lifetime regular-season scoring leader, but she is also the postseason scoring leader. She has three WNBA titles with the Mercury and has twice been named Finals MVP.
“We’re seeing greatness in front of us,” interim Mercury coach Nikki Blue said. “You take DT’s ability for granted. How she’s changed in the last 19 years. It’s a rare opportunity to see her in this state. I hope everyone is paying attention and enjoying the moment. For many years, she has been the face of our organisation and league.”
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