Diana Taurasi Achieves Historic Feat, Becomes First WNBA Player to Reach 10,000 Points

Diana Taurasi Reach 10,000 Points

A Trailblazer's Journey and Enduring Legacy

Diana Taurasi, the legendary 41-year-old WNBA star, has etched her name in basketball history by becoming the first player in the league to score an impressive 10,000 points. The milestone was reached during the third quarter of a thrilling game against the Atlanta Dream, where she led her team to a commanding 91-71 victory, scoring a season-high 42 points and pushing her total to 10,024.

Known affectionately as the "White Mamba," Taurasi has been an iconic figure in women's basketball throughout her illustrious career. Despite her tremendous individual achievement, Taurasi has always emphasized her passion for the game and her focus on team success over personal records.

"I really don’t think about the number, I really don’t," Taurasi humbly stated. "I’ve just played basketball because I love to play. Literally, the only reason why I keep showing up to the gym right now is because I still love to play, and this group still shows up every day."

The WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, congratulated Taurasi on her historic accomplishment, praising her skill, determination, and dedication to the game. With over 2,500 points separating her from the second-place scorer, Tina Thompson, Taurasi's scoring prowess stands unparalleled.

DeWanna Bonner, a close friend and former teammate of Taurasi, expressed admiration for the milestone. "What she’s been able to do for such a long period of time has been truly incredible. I’ve seen firsthand how hard she works and what she’s done, and it's amazing," said Bonner.

Taurasi's achievements extend beyond the regular season, as she also holds the record for the most points scored in the playoffs. She has been the cornerstone of the Phoenix Mercury franchise since being drafted in 2004 and has won three WNBA championships, earning MVP of the Finals twice in her illustrious career.

The current WNBA scoring leader, Jewell Loyd, has 4,458 points in her nine-year career, but reaching Taurasi's milestone would require her to maintain an extraordinary scoring pace for several more years.

Taurasi's 10,000th point came in front of her home crowd at the Footprint Center, adding sentimental value to the achievement. "When it happens, it will be a cool moment for our city, for our franchise, really for all the people who have been in my corner for a long time," she said.

As Taurasi continues to make history, she remains a role model and an inspiration to generations of basketball enthusiasts. Interim Mercury coach Nikki Blue encapsulated the sentiment, saying, "We are getting able to witness greatness in front of us. You take for granted how good DT is. To witness her in this moment, it’s super special. She’s been the face of our organization and our league for several years."

As the "White Mamba" continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate what more she can achieve in the twilight of her extraordinary career.