The Phoenix Mercury and Diana Taurasi are playing one intense game of Will She, Won’t She — and it’s got fans on the edge of their seats. Is this really the end for the legendary WNBA superstar? The question remains unanswered as the team launches their cryptic “If This is It” campaign, giving off major Is that your final answer? vibes without actually saying anything definitive. Classic Taurasi move, right?
As the 2024 WNBA season approaches its grand finale on Thursday, Sept. 19, when Phoenix hosts the Seattle Storm, Taurasi has done what she does best — dodged the media, much like defenders on a fast break. No formal announcement has been made, but you’d be forgiven if you thought there was a neon sign flashing RETIREMENT PARTY above the Footprint Center. Is it really happening, or are we just playing ourselves?
Still No Retirement Announcement (But We’re Watching)
Taurasi, with her 20 glorious seasons of baller excellence, isn’t exactly spilling the tea. Phoenix’s social media team, however, is all in on stirring the pot. They’ve been teasing the possibility of her last home game for weeks with their If This is It campaign — a masterclass in giving everyone FOMO. And, of course, to really tug at the heartstrings, they’re releasing limited-edition “GOAT” jerseys (but only for those willing to brave the team shop before they vanish faster than a Taurasi step-back three).
When pressed about the future (because, duh, we need to know), Taurasi gave the most Taurasi-like response possible: “As an athlete, you think you get to write the ending, but then it just happens sometimes.” You know, super casual, like she’s talking about choosing between takeout and home-cooked dinner rather than the future of women’s basketball.
She’s not rushing into any decisions — “I don’t want to make any emotional or rash decisions,” she said — which translates to: I’m not retiring just because you guys keep asking. Taurasi is laser-focused on the playoffs, with Phoenix securing the No. 7 seed and a first-round clash with the Minnesota Lynx. The fact that the first two games of the series are in Minnesota means Thursday’s game could indeed be her last home performance — if this is it.
Could This Be the Last Dance in Phoenix?
So, what’s the vibe in Phoenix? Well, it’s part celebration, part dread. The game against Seattle might be Taurasi’s curtain call at home, and fans are definitely bringing the tissues (and maybe a few signs begging her to play forever). After all, Taurasi is Phoenix Mercury basketball. You can bet the house that emotions will be running high whether or not she makes a retirement decision right after the game.
Still, Taurasi has kept it cool. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “The last couple of weeks have been a little nerve-wracking for myself.” Imagine having your potential retirement be the subject of a social media guessing game — talk about stress! She’s not ready to make that call yet, saying she’ll reflect on things after the season ends, consult with her inner circle, and then… who knows?
The GOAT’s Insane Career Stats (In Case You Forgot)
Whether this is Taurasi’s last ride or not, let’s not forget who we’re dealing with here. She’s the undisputed GOAT of the WNBA. The league’s all-time leading scorer (with a staggering 10,637 points and counting), she also holds the records for most field goals, 3-pointers, and free throws. Sue Bird might have her beat in games and minutes played, but Taurasi dominates just about everywhere else.
Let’s drop some stats to appreciate the greatness:
| Stat | Career Average |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 564 |
| MPG | 30.7 |
| PPG | 18.9 |
| RPG | 3.9 |
| APG | 4.2 |
| SPG | 0.9 |
| BPG | 0.6 |
| TOV | 2.7 |
| 3FG | 2.6 |
| FG% | 42.5 |
| 3P% | 36.0 |
| FT% | 87.0 |
Oh, and let’s not forget her playoff resume — because why would you? Taurasi is also the WNBA’s all-time playoff leader in points, field goals, and 3-pointers. If you need one player to show up when it really matters, look no further.
A Legacy Cemented in Championships and Accolades
In her 20 seasons, Taurasi has racked up more accolades than a trophy case can handle. Three WNBA titles, two WNBA Finals MVPs, one regular-season MVP, and a Rookie of the Year award in 2004. She’s made 14 All-WNBA teams, 11 All-Star teams, and been named to the WNBA’s Top 15, Top 20, and Top 25 lists of greatest players of all time. In short, when you think of the WNBA, you think of Diana Taurasi.
So, Is This It?
The only thing we know for sure is that Thursday night’s game will be one for the books — whether or not it’s the last time we see Taurasi suit up in Phoenix. Even if she isn’t calling it quits yet, the suspense is high enough to make anyone break out in a sweat (or maybe that’s just the Arizona heat). Either way, fans are flocking to witness history.
So, will we get an emotional goodbye or just another game for Taurasi? Stay tuned. But if this is it, what a ride it’s been.
Tune in at 10 p.m. ET for Phoenix’s finale against Seattle, just in case Taurasi decides to drop the mic.
