Nneka Ogwumike scored 17 points, and the Seattle Storm disrupted what might be the last home game of Diana Taurasi’s 20-year career by defeating the Phoenix Mercury 89-70 on Thursday night.
Taurasi managed nine points with a shooting record of 3-of-9 in 18 minutes. She returned to the court after the crowd began chanting “We want DT!” in the final minutes. She came back shortly after to another chant of “One more year!” and spoke to the crowd after a tribute video was shown.
Brittney Griner led the Mercury with 11 points.
The Storm (25-15) had already secured the No. 5 playoff seed in the WNBA and will start the first round on Sunday against the Las Vegas Aces in a best-of-three series.
Phoenix (19-21) has clinched the No. 7 seed and will face No. 2 Minnesota in a best-of-three first round series beginning Sunday. However, it is uncertain if Taurasi will play again in her home city.
The Lynx could end Taurasi’s career—if this is indeed her last season—by winning the first two games.
Before the game, Mercury players honored Taurasi by wearing her jersey with a goat symbol—Greatest Of All Time—on the No. 3 during player introductions. The 42-year-old Taurasi has not confirmed if she will retire after this season but has suggested that this might be her final season.
Taurasi’s status as one of the greatest women’s basketball players ever is beyond doubt, with a career full of championships and records.
The Storm aimed to spoil Taurasi’s night right from the start, scoring the first 10 points of the game. Taurasi responded by making a 3-pointer to end their run, but the Storm continued their strong performance.
Seattle shot 15 of 22 in the first quarter, leading 35-14 while the Mercury struggled to find their rhythm on offense. Phoenix had nearly as many turnovers (five) as field goals (six) and appeared out of sync for much of the quarter.
