If she does not yet know, at 42, when she will retire, Diana Taurasi knows, however, that from now on, a new defeat will mean the end of the season. Because the WNBA legend, despite her 21 points, and her Mercury teammates lost Game 1 (102-95) against Minnesota.
“It looks like his farewell tour”, REMARK Napheesa Collier. “I don't know because she is quite discreet on this subject. […] I hope we can end his career on Wednesday.”
The Lynx star, second in MVP voting behind A'ja Wilson, is largely responsible for the situation with his 38 points on 11/19 shooting. “What's great about her is that she does something other than score points. That's what makes her so unique.”rejoices her coach Cheryl Reeve.
A fatal 11-3 at the end
Natasha Cloud (33 points) and Diana Taurasi tried to close a 14-point gap at the break, even having a one-point lead with two minutes to go. But the Lynx would then end the game on an 11-3 run.
This defeat puts Phoenix and Diana Taurasi in difficulty. It will be essential to win Game 2 on Wednesday, at home, otherwise the adventure will end.
“I think everyone wants to continue, not only for themselves, but especially for her,” insists coach Nate Tibbetts. “It will be her decision after the season. She has been very clear about that. We like having her with us and, as we saw on Sunday, she can still play at a high level.”
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-pointers / 3-pointers attempted; LF = Free throws made / Free throws attempted; O = Offensive rebound; D = Defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = Assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Steals; Bp = Loose balls; Ct: Blocks; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the court; Pts = Points; Eval: Player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.