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She finished with 42 points -- her highest
single-game total since 2010 -- on 12-of-21 shooting from the
field, 6-of-13 success from 3-point range and a 12-of-12 effort
at the foul line. The Mercury won 91-71 as the 41-year-old
veteran became the oldest player in WNBA history to produce a
40-point game.
"I just kind of felt good and they were looking for me," Taurasi
said, according to ESPN. "And sometimes (the shots) go in
because they go in, because it's your day. And today was my
night."
Taurasi, 41, entered the night needing 18 points to make
history, and she had 10 points by halftime. She quickly sank a
layup and soon added a 3-pointer. On the Mercury's next
possession, she took a pass from Moriah Jefferson and drained
the milestone trey.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement, "On
behalf of the WNBA and basketball fans worldwide, I want to
extend my heartfelt congratulations to Diana on reaching the
incredible milestone of 10,000 points as she continues to author
new chapters in an illustrious WNBA career. I have had the
pleasure of watching her play first as a fan and now as
Commissioner of the WNBA.
"Diana's achievement stands as a testament to her skill,
determination, and unwavering dedication to the game, which
along with her competitive nature, has captivated fans with her
incredible scoring ability, clutch performances, and
unparalleled basketball IQ. We are honored to witness this
milestone."
Taurasi, who was drafted first overall by Phoenix in 2004, is a
three-time WNBA champion, a two-time WNBA Finals MVP and the
league's regular-season MVP in 2009. She is a 10-time All-Star
and a 10-time All-WNBA first-team honoree.
In addition to her WNBA exploits, Taurasi is one of the most
decorated basketball Olympians of all time, having won five gold
medals with Team USA.
In her 19th WNBA season, Taurasi entered play Thursday averaging
16.1 points, 5.1 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game.
--Field Level Media
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