Diana Taurasi, 42, Defies Age and Tops Michael Jordan in 20-Point Games
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Diana Taurasi’s legacy continues to shine brighter, exemplifying the extraordinary achievements of women in sports. Unlike most athletes who retire in their late 30s, Taurasi is still going strong with the Phoenix Mercury at 42 years old. This season, she is posting higher averages in points, rebounds, and steals compared to last year. Although she's no longer the primary playmaker, Taurasi has embraced a scoring role, achieving a remarkable milestone by surpassing NBA legend Michael Jordan.
During Phoenix’s 103-99 loss to the Las Vegas Aces, Taurasi scored 22 points on 57% shooting and four assists. This performance marked her 21st game with at least 20 points since turning 40, overtaking Jordan’s record. Jordan had been the only player in NBA or WNBA history with 20 or more 20-point games at age 40 or older. Taurasi now stands alone with this record across both leagues, showcasing female athletes' incredible potential and perseverance.
ESPN journalist Alexa Philippou tweeted, “Diana Taurasi now has 21 games with 20 or more points at age 40 or older — surpassing Michael Jordan for the most of any player in NBA or WNBA history.”
Taurasi’s record-breaking run commenced in the 2022 season with a staggering 23 points against the Atlanta Dream. This season alone, she has notched up six games with 20 or more points, including a season-high 31 against the Los Angeles Sparks. Averaging 17 points per game over 13 games this season, her highest since 2020, Taurasi's performance is a testament to her relentless pursuit of greatness, regardless of age.
Comparatively, Jordan played 30 games after turning 40 on February 17, 2003, in his final season with the Washington Wizards. In those 30 games, he reached 20 points 20 times and surpassed 30 points three times. With Taurasi’s current form, it's highly likely that she will further increase her tally of 20-point games, continuously redefining the limits of what female athletes can achieve.
Diana Taurasi’s Other Milestones
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Last season, Taurasi etched her name in history by becoming the first WNBA player to score over 10,000 career points, achieving this with a remarkable 42-point game. This feat also made her the oldest player to score 40 points in a WNBA game, surpassing Cynthia Cooper’s record, who last did it at 36 in 1999.
Jordan is the only NBA player to score 40 or more points after turning 40. With Natasha Cloud taking on more ball-handling duties for the Mercury, Taurasi’s assists have dropped from 4.6 per game last year to 1.8 this season. This shift has allowed her to focus more on scoring, emphasizing her adaptability and dedication to the game.
Holding a record that spans both the NBA and WNBA is extraordinary, but Taurasi is used to breaking records. This latest achievement is another testament to her legendary career and the powerful impact women have in the world of sports. As Taurasi continues to perform at an elite level, she aims to lead the Mercury to another championship, potentially in her final WNBA season.
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Later this summer, Diana Taurasi will travel to Paris with Team USA in search of her sixth Olympic gold medal. Earlier this month, she was officially named to the team, marking yet another milestone in her illustrious career. Taurasi's unparalleled skill and leadership continue to make her an invaluable asset to the national team as they aim for gold on the world stage, further solidifying the incredible legacy of women in sports.