Diana Taurasi Makes History: Becomes First WNBA Player to Score 10,000 Points with Remarkable 42-Point Game

Diana Taurasi becomes first WNBA player to score 10,000 points, leading Phoenix Mercury to victory with 42 points.

Diana Taurasi, the legendary WNBA player, made history on Thursday night as she became the first player in the league to score 10,000 points. The momentous occasion occurred during the Phoenix Mercury's game against the Atlanta Dream, with Taurasi reaching the milestone with 8 minutes and 23 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The crowd in Phoenix erupted in cheers as the ball swished through the net, and Taurasi's teammates surrounded her, jumping up and down in celebration.

Reflecting on the achievement, Taurasi expressed her gratitude towards her teammates, acknowledging that this milestone was a collective effort. She emphasized the significance of the moment for the fans and the city of Phoenix, remarking, "It was a cool night -- you couldn't have written this any better for our fans and our city."

Taurasi's performance during the game showcased her incredible talent and skill. She scored a season-high 42 points, shooting 12 of 21 from the field and making 6 of 13 three-pointers. Additionally, she made all 12 of her free throws, contributing significantly to the Mercury's 91-71 victory.

The WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, congratulated Taurasi on behalf of the league and basketball fans worldwide. Engelbert praised Taurasi's skill, determination, and dedication to the game, highlighting her scoring ability, clutch performances, and basketball IQ. The commissioner expressed the honor of witnessing this milestone in Taurasi's illustrious career.

Taurasi's journey to 10,000 points began early in the game, with a corner three-pointer and a layup in the first half. In the third quarter, she continued her scoring spree with a layup and two consecutive three-pointers, the last one being a remarkable 28-footer over two defenders that propelled her to the historic milestone.

Despite the Mercury's challenging season, with a 7-19 record, Taurasi's achievement brought joy to the entire franchise. In a postgame celebration, she received numerous gifts and tributes from notable figures such as NBA commissioner Adam Silver, tennis icon Billie Jean King, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.

Taurasi has been a cornerstone of the Phoenix franchise since being drafted first overall in 2004 from the University of Connecticut. Alongside her regular-season scoring record, she also holds the record for playoff scoring. Throughout her career, she has won three WNBA championships with the Mercury and has been named MVP of the Finals twice.

With an average of over 19 points per game, including a career-high of 25.3 points in 2006, Taurasi's scoring prowess is unmatched. She currently holds a substantial lead of over 2,500 points ahead of Tina Thompson, who is second on the all-time scoring list with 7,488 points. Taurasi's legacy as one of the greatest players in WNBA history is firmly cemented with this remarkable achievement.

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