Diana Taurasi Makes History as the First WNBA Player to Score 10,000 Points
With her 18th point in Thursday’s game against the Atlanta Dream, Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury has become the first player in WNBA history to score over 10,000 regular-season points. Taurasi achieved this remarkable milestone in her 19th season, all of which have been with the Mercury.
Taurasi, who was drafted as the No. 1 pick in 2004 from the University of Connecticut, has revolutionized the shooting guard position in the WNBA. She is known as one of the league’s first true three-level scorers, capable of scoring from anywhere on the court. Her 2006 season is still considered the greatest single season for any scorer in WNBA history. Taurasi set records for points per game (25.3), total points (860), and 3-point makes (121), which still stand to this day.
In 2021, Taurasi was voted as the WNBA’s Greatest of All-Time by the fans during the league’s 25th season. Since then, she has led the Mercury to another Finals appearance and extended the franchise’s playoff streak to 10 consecutive years. However, this season, the Mercury’s playoff streak is in jeopardy as they currently have a record of 6-19.
Here are some key facts about Taurasi’s historic achievement:
1. Taurasi has been the league’s all-time leading scorer since 2017 when she surpassed Tina Thompson’s record of 7,488 points.
2. No active player is even close to Taurasi’s total points. The closest is her former Mercury teammate DeWanna Bonner, who is currently eighth on the all-time scoring list with 6,680 points.
3. Taurasi is also the all-time leading scorer in WNBA postseason history with 1,455 points. She has won three championships with the Mercury (2007, 2009, and 2014) and reached the WNBA Finals again in 2021.
4. In Thursday’s game, Taurasi finished with an impressive 42 points, marking her first 40-point game since July 2010 and only the fourth of her career.
The WNBA took to Twitter to celebrate Taurasi’s achievement, posting a video of her historic shot that secured her place in WNBA history.
Reactions from players around the league have poured in, highlighting Taurasi’s impact on the game. Minnesota guard Kayla McBride said, “(She’s) genuinely in a league of her own because I feel like that’s what she’s been in the league. I just hope that she’s able to take that in and just kind of reflect on everything that she’s done for our league, how many young players she’s inspired, including myself, and just how much she’s changed this league from the time she got in it until 10,000 points later.”
Chiney Ogwumike of the Los Angeles Sparks also praised Taurasi, saying, “She’s meant everything (to the league). I mean, she shows the full commitment of being a wire-to-wire hooper. What she has done for the game, whether it is collegiate to pro to championships to making the next generation better. The pro style of basketball, pulling up for 3s, challenging the rim, playing pick-and-roll with a dynamic post like Brittney Griner. As we’ve seen, she’s really embodied that pro style and she’s lethal. And I think it’s cool that no matter what happens, you’re gonna see her knock down a 3, and you’re going to be mad at it. That’s what she brings out of her opponents, and I think that’s a beautiful thing.”
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert also congratulated Taurasi on her incredible milestone, stating, “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.”
Diana Taurasi’s accomplishment of scoring 10,000 points is a historic moment in the WNBA’s history. Her impact on the game and her legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is undeniable. As Taurasi continues to make history, fans and fellow players eagerly await what she will achieve next.