Diana Taurasi has some company at the top of the WNBA record books. The legendary Phoenix Mercury player has long been the face of women’s basketball, breaking records and shattering expectations. And now, she has someone right beside her, equally deserving of recognition and admiration – Seattle Storm’s Sue Bird.
For years, Taurasi has dominated the WNBA with her impressive game and accolades. With three WNBA championships, four Olympic gold medals, and nine WNBA All-Star selections under her belt, she is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to ever grace the court. And with her recent record-breaking achievement, Taurasi has solidified her place at the top of the WNBA record books.
During the Mercury’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks on June 1, Taurasi surpassed the previous record of 2,599 career made three-pointers, set by Katie Smith in 2013. Taurasi’s record-breaking shot was a testament to her skill and determination, as she fought through a series of injuries and setbacks to reach this milestone in her 17th season in the WNBA.
But the celebration didn’t stop there. Just a few weeks later, on June 19, Seattle Storm’s Sue Bird also made WNBA history by becoming the league’s all-time assist leader. With her 2,831st assist, Bird surpassed Ticha Penicheiro’s previous record of 2,599 career assists, becoming the first player in WNBA history to reach the 3,000-assist mark.
Bird’s milestone is a remarkable achievement, considering she has played fewer seasons than most of the players on the assist leaderboard. And with her impressive court vision and unrivaled passing skills, it’s no surprise that she has reached this feat. It’s worth noting that both Taurasi and Bird have played their entire careers with the same team, a testament to their loyalty and commitment to their respective organizations.
What makes this accomplishment even more special is the fact that these two legends are also longtime friends and teammates. Taurasi and Bird have played together on the US National team since 2002 and are always seen together on and off the court, sharing a bond that goes beyond basketball. So it’s fitting that these two friends and teammates have now etched their names together in WNBA history.
As we celebrate Taurasi and Bird’s record-breaking achievements, it’s important to recognize the impact they have had on the WNBA and women’s basketball as a whole. They have paved the way for future generations and have shown that women’s basketball deserves a place in the spotlight.
But their contributions go beyond the court. Taurasi and Bird have been outspoken advocates for the WNBA and women’s sports, using their platform to bring attention to important issues and drive change. They have used their voices to elevate the sport and inspire young girls and boys all over the world to chase their dreams.
And as they continue to add to their already impressive legacies, Taurasi and Bird are proving that age is just a number in the game of basketball. Both players are in their late thirties, an age where most basketball players have already retired. But Taurasi and Bird are defying all expectations and proving that with hard work, determination, and passion, anything is possible.
In the end, Taurasi and Bird’s accomplishments not only solidify their status as two of the greatest players in WNBA history but also serve as a reminder that anything can be achieved with dedication and perseverance. As they continue to make history and shatter records, they inspire us all to reach for the stars and never give up on our dreams.
So let’s celebrate Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird, two legends who have made their mark on and off the court. They have not only broken records but have also broken barriers, paving the way for future generations of women in sports. And as they stand together at the top of the WNBA record books, they have cemented their place as icons in the world of basketball.
