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After two decades, Diana Taurasi’s No. 3 will hang above Mortgage Matchup Center
PHOENIX — For two decades, the number “3” defined the Phoenix Mercury’s identity, and this year, that number will live permanently in the rafters.
Diana Taurasi celebrates a 3-pointer during a 2007 WNBA Finals game against the Detroit Shock. The Phoenix Mercury won the series and Taurasi won her first WNBA championship. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Mercury announced Tuesday that franchise icon Diana Taurasi will be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor, with her name and number raised at Mortgage Matchup Center on Sunday, Aug. 16. Taurasi not only becomes the next figure to receive the organization’s highest honor, but also the one many in the Valley have been waiting for since she retired after the 2024 season.
Drafted No. 1 overall in 2004, the legend spent her entire WNBA career in Phoenix, leading the franchise to titles in 2007, 2009 and 2014. She also set team records in points (10,646), assists (2,394) and 3-pointers (1,447).
Sep 17, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) shoots the ball against LA Sparks guard Kia Nurse (10) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
While her career centered around the Mercury, Taurasi’s impact was felt beyond the desert. Her competitive edge and swagger changed what a female sports star was supposed to be — challenging perceptions of what women athletes were expected to look and act like.
It was that same swagger that reached generations of fans, young and old, as they witnessed her clutch playoff performances, MVP honors and multiple Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
Aug 3, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) celebrates her 10,000 career point milestone with teammates after the game against the Atlanta Dream at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Fans from all over the basketball world congratulated the Valley icon, with the Phoenix Suns also congratulating her on the milestone.
Taurasi’s character and statistics helped define her sustained excellence throughout the many chapters of her career, and now that career will be enshrined where she made history.
