If Wednesday evening marked the ultimate recreation of Diana Taurasi’s unbelievable WNBA profession, she went out to a standing ovation. Because the Phoenix Mercury star exited Recreation 2 of the primary spherical of the WNBA playoffs, she acquired a standing ovation from Minnesota Lynx followers on the Goal Heart.
Minnesota defeated Phoenix 101-88, profitable the primary spherical collection and advancing to the semifinal spherical of the playoffs. It marked the tip of the season for the Mercury, and might be the ultimate recreation Taurasi performs within the WNBA.
All through the season, Phoenix’s social media group has dropped hints that Taurasi might be retiring following the conclusion of the 2024 marketing campaign. This yr marked her twenty first within the league, chosen No. 1 general by the Mercury within the 2004 WNBA Draft.
Taurasi completed Wednesday’s recreation with 10 factors, 4 rebounds and three assists.
A standing ovation for Diana Taurasi within the Goal Heart 👏 pic.twitter.com/JzQxpEbQYa
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 26, 2024
On the conclusion of the common season, Taurasi was requested if this will probably be her ultimate season within the WNBA.
“You recognize, I don’t know,” Taurasi said. “The final couple of weeks have been a little bit nerve-racking for myself. I don’t wish to make any emotional, rash choices. I do know the tip is close to. When that’s, I don’t know.
“I’ve all the time been an individual that simply concentrates on what’s subsequent. And that is follow tomorrow after which Seattle on Thursday. When the season’s over, I am going to replicate and I am going to get recommendation from the individuals which might be near my coronary heart and have been with me since day one. You by no means know, however who is aware of.”
Taurasi is an 11-time WNBA All-Star, a three-time league champion, a two-time Finals MVP and was the WNBA MVP in 2009. She additionally racked up 10,646 profession factors, most in league historical past.
Taurasi can also be a six-time gold medal winner within the Olympic Video games.
Previous to her unbelievable WNBA profession, Taurasi was a standout participant at UConn. She gained three NCAA nationwide championships, was twice named the Most Excellent Participant of the NCAA Match and was a two-time Nationwide Participant of the 12 months.
Whether or not Wednesday was her final recreation or not, Taurasi will go down as one of many biggest gamers within the historical past of girls’s basketball at each stage.
