Watch: Diana Taurasi makes more WNBA history, reaches 10,000 career points
Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi became the first player in WNBA history to reach 10,000 career points during a Thursday game against the Atlanta Dream.
"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 in a statement, via ESPN staff writer Josh Weinfuss. "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."
The 19-year Mercury veteran officially made the achievement when she scored a three-point shot in the third quarter. She took a confident long-range attempt over two defenders, forever earning her spot as one of the best to ever play in the WNBA as the shot fell with 8:23 remaining in the third.
Taurasi already solidified herself as one of the best scorers in WNBA history when she passed former Houston Comets forward Tina Thompson to become the league's all-time leading scorer in 2017.
The former UConn guard has scored 20 points or more per game in seven seasons, peaking at 25.3 points per contest in 2006. She has five scoring titles throughout her lengthy WNBA career. She won the league's MVP award in 2009, ending the season with averages of 20.4 points per game on a 46.1% field-goal percentage.
Thursday's night's milestone only adds to her case.
Taurasi's 10,000 points put her about 2,500 points or more ahead of multiple Hall of Famers on the all-time scoring list, according to WNBA.com. She places ahead of Thompson, former Indiana Fever forward Tamika Catchings and former Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty center Tina Charles.
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