WNBA Legend Diana Taurasi's Iconic No. 3 Jersey Soars into Retirement

For more than 30 minutes following the Phoenix Mercury's 88-85 loss to the Portland Fire, WNBA icon Diana Taurasi captivated an audience on the very court where she achieved remarkable feats, including winning three WNBA titles and scoring her 10,000th point. Taurasi, who has dazzled fans for two decades, reflected on her illustrious career with a profound and graceful demeanor, characteristic of her Hall of Fame journey. "I really don't know where to start because I don't know where it ends," Taurasi expressed. "And tonight feels like the end and the beginning of so many things in my life. Driving to the game today, I didn't know whether I was going to suit up and play, whether it was my funeral, a celebration, and I've come to realize it's all of it and it's amazing. And I wouldn't have it any other way because that's how I live every single day of my life with every single one of those emotions in this building."

Taurasi conveyed that Sunday held a unique significance, acknowledging the 'bigness' of the moment. She also believed that the unveiling of her jersey during a halftime ceremony would bring a sense of closure. "When your number goes up there, you can't use it anymore," she stated. "It's done. So, if there was any little competitiveness still in me, I think today it goes up in the rafters with the number and it feels really good to know that."

High above her right shoulder, her No. 3 jersey was elevated in the rafters at Mortgage Matchup Center as Taurasi delivered a memorable speech. It was a heartfelt blend of sentimentality, a stroll down memory lane, engaging storytelling, good-natured roasting, comedy, and a profound thank-you note dedicated to her 20-year career, all spent with the Mercury. Taurasi concluded by saying, "It's been 20 years, one city, one team, one jersey, and tonight that No. 3 is on all our backs."

This ceremony, lasting approximately an hour and 15 minutes, was the highlight of the postgame festivities. It featured poignant tributes from some of basketball's greatest figures, including Sue Bird, Lisa Leslie, Dawn Staley, A'ja Wilson, Paige Bueckers, Breanna Stewart, Nick Van Exel, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James, whose video speeches initiated the event. The ceremony also included speeches by former WNBA president Val Ackerman and Jim Tooley, the CEO of USA Basketball, a video narrated by Cheryl Miller, and a poem read by Taurasi's wife and former teammate, Penny Taylor.

A unique element of the tribute to Taurasi's two-decade tenure with Phoenix involved twenty former teammates, each symbolizing one of her 20 seasons. They walked out, each presenting a white rose to the WNBA's all-time leading scorer. This esteemed list included former teammates Brittney Griner, Bridget Pettis, Anna Deforge, Bria Hartley, and Kahleah Copper, along with former coaches Paul Westhead and Corey Gaines, and former Mercury general manager Jim Pitman. Following these presentations, Taurasi herself emerged to acknowledge a comprehensive list of individuals who supported her throughout her career, from trainers and equipment managers to former teammates, coaches, and general managers. She also recognized Mercury president Vince Kozar and the current leadership team of head coach Nate Tibbetts and general manager Nick U'Ren.

The typically stoic Taurasi became visibly emotional when speaking about her family. She recounted her parents, Mario and Lili, immigrating to America from Argentina to provide her and her sister, Jess, with a better life. She lauded her father's dedication, working 50 years at a metal sheetwork factory, and credited her sister for pushing her. "My mom and dad didn't just come to this country. They came to contribute, to make it better. And it doesn't matter where you come from. It does not matter where you come from. And life's not fair. They always say, 'Oh, life is a game of chess.' No, the hell it's not. We don't all get the same pieces. We don't. But don't let those shortcomings knock you down because, like my parents that came to this country, hey, look at their last name," Taurasi declared, gesturing towards her retired number.

Taurasi's speech also showcased her versatility as a speaker. Addressing Taylor, she tenderly said, "No one understands me more than you do. You know when to leave me alone. You know when you have to talk to me. And more than anything, you're the best partner anyone could ever have. I love you and thank you so much for everything." She swiftly followed with, "Leo and Isla, thanks for being here," referring to her children. Then, resuming a more serious tone, Taurasi shared, "I didn't think there was a world outside of basketball and when we had our two kids, there's so much more to the world than basketball. And every single day I wake up, they make me the happiest person on earth."

Sunday marked the culmination of a significant chapter with the Mercury, transforming the afternoon into a grand celebration of Taurasi. The arena was adorned with commemorative shirts placed on every seat, a pen of actual goats was set up in the north end, her name gleamed in lit-up letters, and the Mercury players wore Taurasi T-shirts during warmups. Notable attendees included Brittney Griner, who flew in, Larry Fitzgerald, a recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, and WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes, alongside several Phoenix Suns players, including Devin Booker. Reflecting on her feelings, Taurasi admitted, "I've really tried not to think about it. I just kind of want to let it happen when it does go up there. But just walking into the arena today, there's a lot of emotions. I'm used to coming into here, getting ready to compete and play for these fans so it's a little bit different."