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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – AUGUST 03: Guard Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury reacts after scoring her 10,000th career point during the second half against the Atlanta Dream at Footprint Center on August 03, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – AUGUST 03: Guard Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury reacts after scoring her 10,000th career point during the second half against the Atlanta Dream at Footprint Center on August 03, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Lady luck seemed to be on Diana Taurasi’s side last night. After not being able to make the playoffs last season and finishing dead last in the standings with a 9-31 record, Phoenix has started this season decently. Giving the defending champs the Las Vegas Aces a run for their money was followed by a victory against the Atlanta Dream on Saturday. However, the win didn’t come without any controversies.
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In a neck-to-neck battle, the game entered its final few seconds of the fourth quarter with just 3 points separating both teams. At this time, the Dream’s No. 32 Cheyenne Parker scored from under the rim to bring down the margin to just a single point. Anyhow, her attempt knocked down Sophie Cunningham onto the floor. Consequently, Diana Taurasi charged in and seemed to tackle the 6 ft 4 in forward, which compelled a stoppage of play.
After a referee-initiated review, it was deemed that there was no foul involved either by Parker on Cunningham or by Taurasi on Parker. Phoenix then wrapped it up before more drama could unfold on the court. A driving layup by the team’s top performer Kahleah Copper added the final two points of the night and handed the Mercury a hard-fought victory. As a result, Diana Taurasi and Co. are now placed at the fifth spot in the 2023-24 Standings with a 1-1 record. Moreover, it also proved to be head coach Nate Tibbets’ first-ever WNBA win.
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Simultaneously, the night proved to be quite a productive one for the 21-year veteran. Her contributions were essential to the team securing their first victory of the season.
Diana Taurasi helps Phoenix open their account
A comeback was on the cards for Diana Taurasi and Co. after their season-opening defeat against the Aces. Kahleah Copper turned out to be the pick of the players for them, scoring 38 points and 6 rebounds. Still, Taurasi’s experience came in handy as she guided the team through the defining moments. She became the second-highest scorer with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Despite lagging behind in shooting from beyond the arc (1 of 8), her efficiency from the free-throw line (6 of 6) proved to be vital in the end.
A gritty and fighting exhibition by the 3× WNBA champions. Also, fans get to witness the physicality that Taurasi so often talks about in her interviews. She will have a chance to showcase that again when the Mercury travels to the Michelob ULTRA Arena next. Will they be able to get their redemption against the Las Vegas Aces? Only time will tell.
Written by
Edited by
Pragya Vashisth