Lynx star Napheesa Collier is fully aware that she and her team could bring an end to the legendary career of Diana Taurasi after Minnesota’s 102-95 win over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 1 of their playoff series on Sunday night.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Collier reflected on Taurasi’s remarkable career, acknowledging the significance of the moment. “It feels like this might be her retirement tour,” Collier said, per ESPN’s Myron Medcalf. “She’s been pretty quiet about it. She’s, obviously, a UConn great, a league GOAT, and I feel lucky to have played with her on Team USA and competed against her. Hopefully, we can end her career on Wednesday.”
Taurasi, now in her 20th season with the Phoenix Mercury, is widely considered one of the greatest players in WNBA history. She holds the league’s all-time scoring record with 10,646 points and leads in field goals made with 3,341. The 42-year-old is also second in games played (565) and ranks fourth in assists (2,394). Taurasi’s illustrious career includes three WNBA championships and two Finals MVP awards.
A college basketball legend before turning pro, Taurasi led UConn to three consecutive NCAA titles and was named the Most Outstanding Player in both the 2003 and 2004 NCAA Tournaments. In addition, she is the most decorated basketball player in Olympic history, boasting six gold medals—five with Team USA and one at the FIBA World Championship.
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As the Mercury’s 2009 WNBA MVP, Taurasi has not yet announced whether this season will be her last, but she will become a free agent once Phoenix’s playoff run ends. Her future remains uncertain, but there is a growing sense that the end of her career could be near.
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts acknowledged the possibility of Taurasi’s retirement but emphasized that it hasn’t been a primary focus for the team. “It’s not something we’ve really discussed as a group,” Tibbetts explained. “Of course, we know this could be it for her, but our goal is to go on a run, not just for ourselves, but especially for her.”
Collier, a standout at UConn herself, where she won the 2016 NCAA title, has had the chance to play alongside Taurasi on the international stage. The two stars helped Team USA win gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics, forming a strong bond both on and off the court.
In Game 1, Collier put on a show, delivering a career-high 38 points along with six rebounds and four assists. Her dominant performance gave the Lynx a 1-0 lead in the series, and they now have the chance to close it out at home on Wednesday. If Phoenix wins Game 2, a decisive Game 3 will take place in Phoenix on Friday.
As Taurasi’s legendary career potentially nears its conclusion, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown. Collier and the Lynx are determined to advance in the playoffs, while the Mercury will be fighting to extend their season—and perhaps Taurasi’s career—just a little longer.
