Phoenix Suns star and WNBA legend Diana Taurasi added another impressive achievement in her legendary career. The ‘White Mamba’ recently joined the likes of Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan and Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki.
Playing against the Los Angeles Sparks, Taurasi led the Mercury to a spirited 90-80 win. Moreover, she added 30 points to her name, becoming only the third player after Jordan and Dirk to score 30 points after turning 40.
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Diana Taurasi scored 30 points in Phoenix's 90-80 win over Los Angeles, becoming the first WNBA player in league history to score 30 or more at age 40 or older. She joined Michael Jordan and Dirk Nowitzki as only the third to do it in NBA/WNBA history. https://t.co/AsaaJFkUOY
— ESPN Women's Hoops (@ESPN_WomenHoop) July 29, 2022
She said, “Well, I mean, at this point, we were just talking about it in the hallway, when you’re old, everything’s a record.” Taurasi further added, “So, at least at this point, I’m just happy with a win. We can be the best team at 40, then I’m happy.”
Taurasi has been instrumental for the Mercury this season. Playing in her 18th season in the league, the 10-time All-Star averages 17.5 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.4 rebounds this season for the Phoenix Mercury. This was also her 52nd career 30-point game, which is 20 more than any player in WNBA history.
With the win against the Sparks, the Mercury jumped to sixth in the WNBA standings. This puts them in the driver’s seat to book a playoff spot.
How good were Michael Jordan and Dirk as 40-year-olds?
Although Michael Jordan spent the majority of his career with the Chicago Bulls, he spent the latter part of his time in the NBA with the Washington Wizards. During his last 30 games in the league, Jordan was 40 years old and playing for the Wizards.
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DATE: 10/20/01 PHOTO BY : JOEL RICHARDSON DIG MICHAEL JORDAN AND THE WIZARDS HOST NEW JERSEY NETS (Photo by The The Washington Post via Getty Images) | Courtesy: Getty Images
He averaged an impressive 20.0 points, 3.8 assists, and 6.1 rebounds during the 2002-03 season, MJ’s final season in the NBA. Moreover, he was also selected as an All-Star during the same season.
On the other hand, Dirk Nowitzki spent the final season of his brilliant NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks, the team that drafted him. Dirk averaged 7.3 points, 0.7 assists, and 3.1 rebounds. Similar to MJ, he was also selected as an All-Star.
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What is your favorite memory of Michael Jordan and Dirk Nowitzki? Let us know in the comments down below.
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Pritam Priyedarshi