Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Phoenix Mercury Star Skylar Diggins Smith Calls Her Coach A Clown . He had stopped in to see a local women's basketball team in Yekaterinburg, and "literally fell in love with the point guard, Anna Arkhipova". Except it was better. [72], Taylor expected to give birth to the couple's second child on October 6, 2021, but the baby was late. Courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids Celebrity Style How Basketball Couple. Diana Taurasi has re-signed with the Phoenix Mercury, agreeing to a multi-year contract, the team announced Saturday. Why are we clapping for Sue Bird, dammit?' The returns for season 19 on a multi-year contract!https://t.co/d5qEpJ4gyD pic.twitter.com/qkdYytqr62, Im still competitive, still driven, still want to play, I still love being a part of USA Basketball, she said. They appreciated what was unfolding before them Friday night. People lingering after the game waved and took pictures. Taurasi and Taylor turned to Pottery Barn Kids to help. She's averaged 16.2 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds in her career. She has an older sister named Jessika. If she were to play in those Olympics she could potentially win a sixth gold medal, breaking a tie with former U.S. teammate Sue Bird for most all-time in the sport. But on Friday afternoon, as she sat in her room at the Hotel Palomar across the street from the arena, a show on ESPN discussed her and Taurasi. It didn't matter that she was the visitor or even a West rival. The court, the arena, the gym -- they're for basketball. Taurasi told The Associated Press earlier this month while participating in a USA Basketball training camp that she had her eyes on the Paris Games, which she'd be 42 years old at. In all, the home has three bedrooms, three full baths and 2,040 square feet of living space. Oh, baby! Taurasi scored 26 points in the win. They figured out their plans for dinner. Last year Taurasi, who will turn 41 in June, averaged 16.2 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds before her season was cut short by a quad injury. In September 2019, Taurasiwho remained under contract with the Mercuryconfirmed that she intended to play for the team in 2020.[45][43]. 8", "Taurasi Meets High Schooler Who Shattered Her Record,", "Past WBCA HS Coaches' All-America Teams", "WBCA High School All-America Game Box Scores", "WBCA High School All-America Game Team MVP's", "UConn's Taurasi proves why she's best in nation", "Senator nominates UConn's Taurasi for state heroine", "Women's Basketball 1995 National Championship Team to be Recognized as "Huskies of Honor", "ESPN.com: WNBA - Taurasi impressive in debut, but not successful", "Taurasi, Pondexter lead Mercury to second title in three years", "North Jersey News and Information | NorthJersey.com", "WNBA loses star Diana Taurasi for season because of big Russia payday", "Russian team offering Diana Taurasi more than her WNBA salary to rest", "Russian team pays Taurasi to sit out WNBA season", "Taurasi opts for rest, to skip WNBA season", "Diana Taurasi Breaks W.N.B.A. She tries to leave it at home or in her hotel room. "There was no extra anything on this," Bird said. Theyre now preparing for the arrival of their second child, a daughter due in October. Until the "B" sample could be tested, Taurasi was provisionally suspended from the Turkish league. That's the one thing that we've dedicated our whole lives to. Back in 2019, Taurasi, talking about being hated by fans on the road, wondered why Bird didn't receive the same reception she does. Facebook; Twitter; Lebih baru. Diana left this 1,490 square foot home in 2019. Diana Taurasi And Skylar Diggins Smith Separated After A Heated Exchange Sports Illustrated . It's times like that where, in private, Bird let herself experience the emotion of facing her best friend for the last time in the regular season. The master suite, found on the second floor, has a walk-in closet, an ocean-view deck and a spa-like bath with a freestanding soaking tub and limestone flooring. Jacobs also was quick to point out that the substance Taurasi tested positive for "was not a steroid or recreational drug." Taurasi also set a WNBA record with 121 three-pointers made in a single season. If she were to play in those Olympics she could potentially win a sixth gold medal, breaking a tie with former U.S. teammate Sue Bird for most all-time in the sport. May 15, 2017. Back in 2019, Taurasi, talking about being hated by fans on the road, wondered why Bird didn't receive the same reception she does. However, she mainly plays guard. Search for profiles by email and username. Diana has lived with Mario in a single family house in Chino, CA. This one was warranted, though. Diana has lived with Mario in a single family house in Chino, CA. The WNBA's all-time leading scorer has only played with the Mercury since being drafted No. Taurasi would come back healthy for the season and played 19 of the 22 games, on August 23, 2020, Taurasi scored a season-high 34 points in an 8887 victory over the Washington Mystics while honoring the late Kobe Bryant on his birthday by wearing number 8 along with his last name on her jersey. Bird jerseys in Seattle's trademark yellow and green stood out against the purple and black Mercury threads. Among her career accolades, the 11-year veteran counts three NCAA National Championships, two WNBA championships and three Olympic gold medals. Last season she was averaging 23.2 points after the All-Star break before having her season cut short by a quad injury. Taurasi returned to the Mercury for the 2016 WNBA season. Taurasi received a technical and then continued to follow Reneau toward midcourt, expressing her outrage as teammates attempted to get in between her and the ref. "I don't think of it beyond that. [66], Taurasi was invited to the USA Basketball women's national team training camp in the fall of 2009. Taurasi chose to accept the deal, giving up the WNBA title defense and returning to Phoenix Mercury only in 2016;[56] her decision spread a big debate in the United States about salary policies in women's basketball compared to Europe and China, where women's teams receive governmental support. After they shared the postgame news conference -- a first for both of them, which was a rare feat to find something neither had done after nearly two decades in the WNBA -- they walked out, stage left and never left each other's side. The WNBA's all-time leading scorer has only played with the Mercury since being . [22] For the season, the rookie averaged 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. The team dominated national and international competitions, winning the 201213 EuroLeague (second time for the club), Russian Championship and Russian Cup. They complemented the plethora of Taurasi's Mercury and Team USA jerseys that dotted the crowd. She was an All Star for the second straight year, but the Mercury faded down the stretch and again missed the playoffs. "I'm like, 'You guys, we're in Phoenix. Narrow by design, the three-story floor plan features free-flowing living spaces with plank hardwood flooring, a gourmet kitchen with Calcutta marble countertops and a great room with a limestone fireplace. That Taurasi scored 28 points or made six 3-pointers or that Bird scored just two points and had just five assists or that the Mercury won 94-78 didn't seem to matter. During her time at UConn, her team compiled a record of 139 wins and 8 losses. [11] She was also named the 2000 Naismith and Parade Magazine National High School Player of the Year, and the 1999 and 2000 Ms. Basketball State Player of the Year. She's averaged 16.2 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds in her career. "There's moments where the emotion does get to me, but you're also trying to play a basketball game, right? Will someone boo her please? [58], In 20162017, Taurasi would once again return to UMMC, helping the team to its eleventh league championship. [10], Taurasi attended Don Antonio Lugo High School, where she was the recipient of the 2000 Cheryl Miller Award, presented by the Los Angeles Times to the best player in Southern California. The 40-year old Taurasi is a 10-time All-Star and three-time WNBA champion. Diana moved out of this 15,440 square foot condo in 2016. For 17 years, fans in Phoenix watched their future Hall of Famer face her best friend, another future Hall of Famer. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Several players shared scoring honors, with Swin Cash, Angel McCoughtry, Maya Moore, Taurasi, Lindsay Whalen, and Sylvia Fowles all ending as high scorer in the first few games. [1] [2] She was drafted by Phoenix first overall in the 2004 WNBA draft. [46][47] The Mercury had finished 139 as the number 5 seed, they defeated the Washington Mystics 8584 in the first round elimination game, however they would get eliminated by the Minnesota Lynx in the second round elimination game by a final score of 8079. The Mercury, who beat the Chicago Sky 91-86 in overtime to even the WNBA Finals . 1 by the team in 2004. Robert Lane of Shorewood Realtors was the listing agent. She had to sit out the rest of the season with a strained left hip flexor. But she makes 14 times that approximately $1.5 million playing overseas.[29][30][31][32]. "Im still competitive, still driven, still want to play, I still love being a part of USA Basketball," she said. Maybe this is one of those moments where in a couple years, you talk about the last one -- although I have a feeling I'm not going to talk about this.". Others who had achieved this were Ruth Riley, Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, and fellow Huskies Swin Cash, Kara Wolters, and Sue Bird, with further players added to the list in following years. Copyright 2023 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD, Published: Saturday, February 18, 2023 - 10:18am, Updated: Saturday, February 18, 2023 - 10:22am. After they shared the postgame news conference -- a first for both of them, which was a rare feat to find something neither had done after nearly two decades in the WNBA -- they walked out, stage left and never left each other's side. In her WNBA debut, Taurasi scored 22 points in a 7266 Mercury loss to the Sacramento Monarchs. The Mercury still need to re-sign Brittney Griner, who is also a free agent. She broke Katie Smith's league records for points in a season (741 during the 2006 season). Within mere seconds, a crowd descended upon her as she inked her name on everything from mini basketballs to jerseys while signing in a complete 360. [59][60], Taurasi was a member of the United States women's U18 team which won the gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship in Mar Del Plata, Argentina. By signing a multi-year contract it keeps the door open for Taurasi to play in the 2024 Olympics. To the left of the West Elm x PBK Mid-century Convertible Crib is the Modern Wingback Swivel Glider Recliner. But not about basketball. The twenty WNBA players, plus collegiate player (Brittney Griner), were selected by the USA Basketball women's national team plater selection committee to compete for the final roster which represented the US at the 2012 Olympics in London. The property was first listed for sale in April at $3.399 million, according to public records. "Diana Taurasi belongs in a Mercury uniform, and we are grateful for the continued faith she demonstrates in our organization by returning year after year,"Mercury general managerJim Pitman said in a statement. PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 27: Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury during the first half of the WNBA game at Footprint Center on June 27, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. In the semi-finals, the Mercury would face the championship defending Minnesota Lynx in the best-of-5 series and would be swept 3 games to 0. Taurasi led her team to a tie series after a Game 1 loss (by 4 points) making history. The Olympic athletes have been vegan since 2015 and were set on creating an eco-friendly, toxic-free environment in the nursery. The Mercury were eliminated in the first round elimination game 105-76 by the Chicago Sky. But that could change in the next game. Taurasi then flew from Las Vegas, where the game took place, back to Phoenix, arriving in time to witness Taylor give birth on October 9, 2021, at 4:24am to the couple's first daughter. "I'm kinda glad it's over," Taurasi said after the game. Taurasi and Bird have learned that countless times in their careers. Without Taurasi, who picked up her first ejection since 2019 and has earned . They turned corners. "I think we did all right. On August 1, 2018, Taurasi scored a season-high 37 points in a 10493 victory against the Las Vegas Aces. Taurasi is one of only two players (the other being Cynthia Cooper-Dyke), to win the season scoring title, the season MVP award, a WNBA Championship and the finals MVP in the same season. Still in their own jerseys, hidden under shooting shirts, with their Nikes still tied, Taurasi and Bird were still together as they turned toward a security door. Off to continue to be best friends some more, the night and the hype over, another memory for the two of them written. Team USA had a five-point lead at halftime, which the Czech team then cut to three points, but never got closer. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2022 Panini Prizm WNBA Base Basketball Card #6 - Diana Taurasi - Phoenix Mercury at the best online prices at eBay! The WNBA's all-time leading scorer has only played with. Diana has lived with Liliana in a single family house in Chino, CA. E.g. It was a night of family and reminiscing. Without a healthy Taurasi, the Mercury barely made the playoffs as the number 8 seed with a 1519 record. On February 3, 2015, Taurasi announced that she would sit out the 2015 WNBA season at the request of her Russian Premier League team, UMMC Ekaterinburg. If she were to play in those Olympics she could potentially win a sixth gold medal, breaking a tie with former U.S. teammate Sue Bird for most all-time in the sport. Diana Taurasi, the former Connecticut Huskies standout and Phoenix Mercury guard, has purchased a house in Manhattan Beach for $3.3 million. "Hopefully, we put on some good shows through the years," Bird said. At times in her career, she had to play forward because there were shorter players in the starting five on her team. Vandersloot to New York, the rise of superteams and a Liberty-Aces WNBA Finals? . ", Taurasi tossed as Mercury drop rematch to Sky, WNBA mock draft: Villanova's Siegrist soars into lottery pick, Serena, Griner honored at NAACP Image Awards, Sparks officially re-sign forward N. Ogwumike, Griner on court in 1st open workout since release, WNBA draft set for N.Y., to have 'Orange Carpet', 2-time All-Star C. Ogwumike back with Sparks, Griner officially rejoins Mercury in 'special signing', Yang joins Sparks after FIBA silver with China, WNBA trade grades: Why Wings, Liberty earn top marks in Saturday's four-team trade. Others emerged out of closed doors to point and stare, their phones up the whole time. They laughed like old friends, the recent sting of a loss for Bird and the pride of one last triumph over her best friend for Taurasi not to be found. Kalmanovich was a successful business man with various interests, including women's basketball. Nygaard said after the game that Taurasi sustained contact throughout that the refs didn't call. "Diana Taurasi belongs in a Mercury uniform, and we are grateful for the continued faith she demonstrates in our organization by returning year after year," Mercury general manager Jim Pitman said. 1 by the team in 2004. But at the end of the day, it always came back to Phoenix." (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) PHOENIX - As Diana Taurasi officially signed a contract that will keep her with the Phoenix Mercury for another two years, it . Following her collegiate career, Taurasi was selected first overall in the 2004 WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury,[21] a team that went 826 in the 2003 season. Vandersloot to New York, the rise of superteams and a Liberty-Aces WNBA Finals? Pottery Barn Kids fit the bill, offering a number of products that are organic, sustainably sourced, fair trade, and handcrafted. "I think we did all right. Taurasi was one of 21 finalists for the 2012 US women's Olympic team roster. [71], Taurasi is married to former teammate Penny Taylor. [4] Also in 2021, she was selected by fans as the league's greatest player of all time. [34] Taurasi averaged 17.8 ppg helping the Mercury to another playoff berth with a 1618 record. Taurasi finished her prep career ranked fourth in state history with 3,047 points. They figured out their plans for dinner. "Her whole arm is scratched up and bleeding. [49], The team would go on to win four consecutive Euroleague championships from 2007 to 2010, and Taurasi was named Final Four MVP in 2009 and 2010. They were ushered through it and then they were gone. Its the fifth gold medal Taurasi has brought back to the Arizona home she shares with Penny Taylor, a two-time Olympic silver medalist herself (with team Australia). Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2022 Panini Prizm WNBA #55 Diana Taurasi - Phoenix Mercury~ Beauty at the best online prices at eBay! For the 2014 WNBA season, Taurasi made just under the league maximum of $107,000. Mario and Liliana Taurasi emigrated from Argentina to the United States before Diana was born. I think the returning players who have been here, they did a good job communicating to us just 'we need to stay together,'" said Tina Charles, who led all scorers with a season-high 25 points. The event was held in July 2000, when Team USA defeated Cuba to win the championship. Many of the players were European, but the team also included Australian Lauren Jackson and Americans Sue Bird and Taurasi. Feb. 2, 2021. Our inspiration for our daughters nursery was a piece of art by local Phoenix artist, Whitney Schlander, who incorporated all the beautiful colors of the Phoenician desert and sunsets, Taurasi says. Her eight three-pointers were the second-most made in a playoff game in the WNBA's postseason history. She tries to leave it at home or in her hotel room. How Breanna Stewart's move impacts the Liberty, Storm and the WNBA, WNBA free agency and trade tracker: Latest deals and news, Sparks' Talbot to miss season with torn ACL, Source: Griner back with Mercury on 1-year deal, Taurasi, 40, signs multiyear deal with Mercury, ESPN's Rowe, Spears receive Curt Gowdy award, Happy birthdays to MJ: Jordan's not the only one sharing his birthday with big-name stars, Former Iowa, Storm center Edwards dies at 49, Jefferson leaves Lynx, signs contract with Mercury, Rivals and best friends: Inside the 'special, rare' Sue Bird-Diana Taurasi friendship, Member of Pro Football Writers of America. He was a professional soccer player in Italy[9] and played for several years as a goalkeeper. They currently are 10th in the WNBA standings. West Elm x PBK Mid-Century 6-Drawer Changing Table. I'll let my players know they can draw blood and a foul won't be called.". The U.S. team went on to win the championship and gold medal. She's averaged 16.2 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds in her career. [7] Taurasi is one of 11 women to win an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA Championship, a FIBA World Cup gold and a WNBA Championship. Its not just you, Work phones make a comeback as offices ban WhatsApp, TikTok. "So, it's tricky," Bird said. When Bird went to Taurasi's house on Thursday night to see Taurasi's wife, Penny Taylor, and their two kids, they talked. We look forward to more accolades, more historic moments, and more wins.. "It's time for you to go," she said, tongue in cheek, on the big screen looming above the court. [68] This game replaces the WNBA All-Star game with WNBA All-Stars versus USA Basketball, as part of the preparation for the FIBA World Championship for Women to be held in the Czech Republic during September and October 2010. Although the Mercury did not qualify for the playoffs, Taurasi was named to the Western Conference All Star team and won the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. "I'm like, 'You guys, we're in Phoenix. They backtracked. Taurasitold The Associated Pressearlier this month while participating in a USA Basketball training camp that she had her eyes on the Paris Games, which she'd be 42 years old at. Diana Taurasi belongs in a Mercury uniform, and we are grateful for the continued faith she demonstrates in our organization by returning year after year," Mercury general manager Jim Pitman said. [5] On June 18, 2017, Taurasi became the WNBA all-time leading scorer and on June 27, 2021, became the first player to surpass 9,000 points. Off to continue to be best friends some more, the night and the hype over, another memory for the two of them written. They laughed like old friends, the recent sting of a loss for Bird and the pride of one last triumph over her best friend for Taurasi not to be found. He arranged to add a number of top-notch players, who had earned seven Olympic medals between them. There's a chance Bird and Taurasi could see each other again in the playoffs, especially after Phoenix jumped into the eighth and final playoff spot with its win Friday. Taurasi has won the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award (2004), three WNBA championships (2007, 2009, and 2014), a historic five Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020),[3] one WNBA Most Valuable Player Award (2009), two WNBA Finals MVP Awards (2009 and 2014), five scoring titles (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011), and three FIBA World Cups (2010, 2014, and 2018). When you get to my age at this point in my career, you just try to win every day. Taurasi told The Associated Press earlier this month while participating in a USA Basketball training camp that she had her eyes on the Paris Games, which shed be 42 years old at. She put up 37 points on 10 of 13 shooting including eight of 11 attempted three-pointers. Nothing's guaranteed. 8 Jersey, Honoring Kobe Bryant (August 23, 2020)", "Diana Taurasi, honoring Kobe Bryant, scores 34 in Mercury win over Washington", "Diana Taurasi re-signs multi-year contract with Phoenix Mercury", "Spartak Moscow EuroLeague champions again, Taurasi MVP again", "Positive Test for Taurasi, Ex-UConn Star", "WADA Could Suspend Turkish Lab in Taurasi Case", "A Russian team paid Diana Taurasi to sit out 2015 WNBA season", "Diana Taurasi's decision to sit out should spark WNBA salary changes", "UMMC Ekaterinburg claim 2016 EuroLeague Women title", "Diana Taurasi retires early from Russian team, continuing with Mercury", "Fourth Women's Junior World Championship Qualifying Team 2000", "Fifth FIBA Women's U19/Junior World Championship 2001", "Fourth Women's Junior World Championship Qualifying Team 2000", "FIFTEENTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FOR WOMEN 2006", "USA Basketball Women's National Team To Tip-Off Training Tomorrow In D.C.", "Six Olympic Gold Medalists Among 11-Member Team Set To Participate In WNBA vs. USA Basketball: The Stars at the Sun Game", "Twenty-One Finalists In The Mix For Final 2012 U.S. Women's Olympic Basketball Team Roster", "Diana Taurasi, Penny Taylor announce birth of baby boy", "WNBA's Diana Taurasi and Wife Penny Taylor Welcome Baby Girl Hours After Semifinal Win", "Report: Space Jam 2 Will Star Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Klay Thompson, More", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diana_Taurasi&oldid=1141129387, This page was last edited on 23 February 2023, at 14:10. In May 2017, Taurasi signed a multi-year contract extension with the Mercury. The 40-year-old Taurasi has won three WNBA titles in Phoenix and been honored as the league's MVP in 2009. [67] The team selected to participate at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Olympics was primarily chosen from these players. Join AD Experts at Our Outdoor Forecast Workshop. [65], Taurasi was the second leading scorer on the U.S. national basketball team at the 2006 FIBA World Championship held in So Paulo, Brazil. During that game, Taurasi made her 113th playoff career three-pointer, becoming the all-time WNBA leader in playoff career three-pointers made (passing Becky Hammon). For 17 years, fans in Phoenix watched their future Hall of Famer face her best friend, another future Hall of Famer. [8] Taurasi's father, Mario, was raised in Argentina. To be able to share our love with family and close friends meant the world to us., On March 1, 2018, Taylor gave birth to the couple's son, Leo Michael Taurasi-Taylor. [40] Taurasi would also earn her ninth career all-star appearance after being voted into the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game. But also not letting it overcome me in a way that's going to take me out of the game.". She's averaged 16.2 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds in her career. They were eager to ground the room in sustainability, conscious living, and inspiration from Arizonas natural landscapes. Taurasi, as she's known to do, also got in one last rib. Taurasi represented the United States as a member of the 2008 Olympic team at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China, where she started all eight games and helped lead the USA to the gold medal. But with Tuesday's loss, they have fallen to 2-7 on the season, their sole wins over a Seattle Storm team without Breanna Stewart and fellow starter Mercedes Russell. Diana Taurasi belongs in a Mercury uniform, and we are grateful for the continued faith she demonstrates in our organization by returning year after year," Mercury general manager Jim Pitman said. Diana Taurasi, a three-time WNBA champion and the league's all-time leading scorer, will miss the remainder of the regular season with a quad strain, the Phoenix Mercury announced Monday, as the . When Bird went to Taurasi's house on Thursday night to see Taurasi's wife, Penny Taylor, and their two kids, they talked. "That was out of line. Taurasi pounded her fist in her hand and shouted at referee Jenna Reneau on the baseline. Ad Choices, The married Olympians, currently expecting their second child, worked with Pottery Barn Kids to create a room that reflects their vegan values, This New Jersey Lake House Showcases a Love of Japandi Style, The 1916 bungalow on the water is a place of tranquility, inside and out, The Drop List: New Releases From Le Labo, Sophie Lou Jacobsen x Maison Balzac, Areaware, and More, Bringing you the latest and greatest in design and decor, Inside a Renewed London Townhouse Steps From Buckingham Palace, Architect Daniel Goldberg brought a luxurious, contemporary heart to this restored heritage building, This 700-Square-Foot Ecuadorian Retreat Is in Sync With Nature, The compact home at the base of the Andes Mountains is a breath of fresh air. A key theme in the nursery is readingnap and bedtimes always involve a book, so the couple wanted to have a cozy space where they could read to their children. She averaged 12.6 points per game and led the team with assists with 5.46 per game. Next, they swept the San Antonio Silver Stars in a hard-fought two-game series and Taurasi advanced to her first WNBA Finals, against the defending champion Detroit Shock. Taurasi, a 40-year-old guard, is the WNBA's all-time leading . Behind Courtney Vandersloot's 12 fourth-quarter points, Chicago answered late to keep the Mercury out of the win column in a rematch of the 2021 WNBA Finals -- which the Sky won in four games. There was more than one of Bird's UConn jerseys in the crowd and a handful of Bird's Team USA jerseys. From there, we chose a neutral and calm palette to complement beautiful midcentury furniture. The result is full of dusty pinks and calming white. She received a standing ovation when she received the Mercury's gift and another cheer when she was introduced -- just like Taurasi complained about. In game 5, the Mercury lost 9484, ending their season. After a Game 4 loss of the semifinals, Taurasi played in a winner-take-all Game 5 that would decide whether the Phoenix Mercury would play in the 2021 WNBA finals. Diana Taurasi has re-signed with the Phoenix Mercury, agreeing to a multiyear contract, the team announced Saturday. Taurasi also won the WNBA Finals MVP for the second time in her career. She returned for the second round single elimination game against the reigning champions Seattle Storm which the Mercury won in overtime. She holds the franchise record in 16 categories and with 9,693 points in her career should go over the 10,000-point mark next season if she stays healthy.