Diana Taurasi’s iconic No. 3 jersey is heading straight to the rafters for the Phoenix Mercury tonight, a move that cements her absolute legend status and reminds everyone just how much of a force she’s been in the WNBA. This isn’t just about a number going up; it’s about celebrating a career that saw her shatter records, including becoming the first player in WNBA history to score 10,000 career points just three years ago.
That 42-Point Night That Screamed “GOAT”
Remember that night three years back when DT hit 10,000 points? It wasn’t some quiet free throw. Nah, she blasted past that milestone with a clutch catch-and-shoot wing 3-pointer, part of an insane 42-point performance that night. Forty-two points! At 41 years old, she set a new regular-season scoring high, cementing her status as a true competitor even late in her 20-season career. That kind of ferocity, that flair for the dramatic, that’s what defined every single one of those accolades that have her name in the GOAT conversation. She didn’t just play; she put on a show.
The Chaos Demon We All Loved (And Still Need)
It wasn’t just the points, though, was it? It was how she carried herself. Dee was an insane competitor, no doubt. She’d talk trash, foul hard, give absolutely no quarter, but always with that mischievous smile, that humor, that spirit of camaraderie. We saw the perfect example in 2013 when she bumped shoulders with Seimone Augustus, looking like a full-on confrontation was brewing, only to defuse the whole thing with a peck on the cheek! She wanted to win every single game, but she never forgot it was still a game. Chelsea Leite absolutely nailed it calling her the WNBA’s ultimate chaos demon, appreciating that perfect blend of competitiveness and colorfulness.
Even Kelsey Plum, who’s now with the Mercury, credits Taurasi as her inspiration. Plum was right there when the street in front of Mortgage Matchup Center became 10466 Taurasi Way this past Thursday, honoring that final point total. It’s a bummer Plum won’t be on the court tonight due to her persistent left leg injury, preventing her from conjuring up her own tribute. But the connection is real.
Tonight, as the Mercury retire her No. 3 and induct her into their Ring of Honor at halftime of their game against the Portland Fire, it’s a moment for the entire league to appreciate an icon. Meanwhile, for us here in the Emerald City, our own Seattle Storm were battling it out on the court, ultimately falling to the Portland Fire 84-82. A tough loss, but it just goes to show you, gamedays are always delivering drama.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
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