Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi’s presence at the Mercury-Portland Fire game seems to have inspired Alyssa Thomas to shoot like she hasn’t since her rookie year. As Taurasi passes the torch to the new Mercury roster, Thomas achieved a milestone that might not seem important to others, but definitely matters to her.
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According to an Instagram post by B/R W Sports, the Mercury forward has successfully scored her second-ever three-pointer in the WNBA, 11 years after her first. After several seasons of professional basketball, Thomas achieved a personal milestone by scoring a three-pointer during the Mercury’s 88-85 loss to the Fire.
Alyssa Thomas’s three came in the final moments of the fourth quarter. With under seven seconds left, Thomas bagged a 25-foot shot from beyond the arc, cutting Portland’s lead to 86-85, giving the Mercury a fighting chance. Unfortunately, Thomas’ efforts bore no fruit.
Mercury forward Noemie Brochant drew a personal foul, which put Portland Fire guard Carla Leite on the free-throw line. The guard made two-of-two free throws, ending the Mercury’s hopes for a late-game charge win. Thomas finished the game with 17 points, nine assists, and a game-high 11 rebounds. The Mercury offense was led by DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Copper, who combined for 42 points, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Portland Fire. Despite the loss, Thomas’ second career three-pointer was historic.
The forward has shot 28 times from beyond the arc and has found success only once, back in her debut year of 2014. In an August 1, 2014 game between the Connecticut Sun and the former team San Antonio Stars, Thomas made her first-ever three-pointer. The game ended in an 89-79 win for the Sun, with Thomas being the second-highest scorer for her team behind Chiney Ogwumike. Thomas’ second three-pointer was not the only highlight of the night, though.
The night was made more special by the presence of Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi. The WNBA all-time career scoring leader graced the stadium with her presence as she was inducted into the Mercury Ring of Honor. The team officially retired her jersey number – No.3 – to join the ranks of the Mercury jerseys in the rafters. Taurasi became the fifth jersey that the Mercury have retired, including Michele Timms (7), Penny Taylor (13), Jennifer Gillom (22), and Bridget Pettis (32).
Diana Taurasi played a total of 20 seasons, her entire WNBA career, with the Phoenix Mercury, emerging as one of the best players ever to enter the league. She led the team to three WNBA championships and was named the Finals MVP in the last two. With 11 All-Star nominations, she comes in just behind Sue Bird, who holds the record with 13 All-Star Nominations.
Taurasi is grateful for all that Phoenix has given her, as she made clear in her address, per David Brandt of the Associated Press.
“This place has made me who I am. You guys let me grow, you let me fall, you let me get back up and gave me the space to become who I am today. Through the championships, all the good times and all the bad times, the loyalty you have given me is something I will take with me forever.”
It seems that some of Diana Taurasi’s star power found its way to Alyssa Thomas during the Mercury-Fire game, as the forward bagged a personal record with her second-ever three-pointer.