Months ago, LeBron James cemented his place as the leading scorer in NBA history. Tonight, Diana Taurasi had her time to shine as the WNBA’s leading scorer. More specifically, she drilled a three-point shot in the third quarter that elevated her to the status of being the first WNBA player to score 10,000 points.
“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,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said.
“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.”
After an incredible run at the University of Connecticut, Taurasi entered the league as a 22-year-old guard in Phoenix and immediately made an impact. Averaging 17 points, nearly four assists and 4.4 rebounds per game, she helped improved the team’s record from 8-26 to 17-17 and never looked back. Her 19-year run in Phoenix has included 10 WNBA All-Star Game appearances, three WNBA Championships and an MVP award in 2009.
“It’s a lifetime’s work,” she told ESPN earlier this summer.
“Ten thousand is going to be something that hopefully means something to women’s basketball and it’s going to, I feel like, be even a bigger deal when someone breaks it.”
She shoots and she scores! Diana Taurasi is officially the WNBA's first 10,000-point scorer.pic.twitter.com/IZMhWvQdNc
— Def Pen Sports (@DefPenSports) August 4, 2023
