Diana Taurasi, the WNBA's all-time leading scorer, had her iconic No. 3 retired by the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday. Taurasi, the No. 1 overall pick in 2004, spent her entire career with the Mercury, and led the franchise to three championships before she retired in 2024. The Mercury held a ceremony for Taurasi at halftime of their dramatic 88-85 loss to the Portland Fire.
With her family seated on the court and her championship trophies behind her, Taurasi gave a short speech before her number was unveiled in the rafters. She joins her wife, Penny Taylor, as well as Michele Timms, Jennifer Gillom and Bridget Pettis as the only players in Mercury history to have their number retired. "I want to speak directly to the city of Phoenix.
I got to this city in 2004 and I instantly knew this was the place for me," Taurasi said. "This place has made me who I am. You guys let me grow, you let me fall, you let me get back up and you gave me the space to become who I am today." "Through the championships, through all the good times, through all the bad times, the loyalty you have given me is something that I will take with me forever in my whole life," Taurasi continued.
All the love, the memories that you've given me. I feel like a true Phoenician. The Phoenix Mercury are great because of you.
I will forever be grateful. Thank you so much." "I instantly knew [Phoenix] was the place for me."Diana Taurasi thanks the city of Phoenix for all their support during her jersey retirement 🧡 pic.twitter.com/tKAupHACSS In addition to her three championships, Taurasi won an MVP, two Finals MVPs and a record five scoring titles. She was the Rookie of the Year, an 11-time All-Star, a 14-time All-WNBA honoree and a member of the WNBA's 15th, 20th and 25th anniversary teams.
Her 10,646 points are the most ever, and she's the only player in the 10,000-point club. She's also the league's all-time leader in 3-pointers with 1,447. On the international level, she won a record six gold medals with Team USA.
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