Nneka Ogwumike scored 17 points and the Seattle Storm spoiled what could be the Storm’s final home game Diana Taurasi’s 20-year career with an 89-70 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night.
Taurasi scored nine points on 3-of-9 shooting in 18 minutes, returning after the crowd began chanting “We want DT!” in the final minutes. She returned less than a minute later to another chant — “One more year!” — and addressed the crowd after a tribute video.
Brittney Griner led the Mercury with 11 points.
The Storm (25-15) were already assured of fifth place in the WNBA playoffs and will open the first round on Sunday to the Las Vegas Aces in a best-of-three series.
Phoenix (19-21) clinched the seventh spot and will face second-place Minnesota in a best-of-three first-round series that begins Sunday, but there’s no guarantee Taurasi will be back for another game in the desert. The Lynx could end Taurasi’s career — if they do — by winning the first two games.
Mercury players paid tribute to Taurasi before the game, wearing her jersey with a goat — Greatest Of All Time — at No. 3 during player introductions. Taurasi, 42, has not said whether she will retire after this season, but hinted that she might.
Taurasi’s place among the greatest women’s basketball players of all time is undeniable, with a resume that includes numerous championships and records.
The Storm were intent on ruining Taurasi’s night by scoring the first 10 points of the game. Taurasi of course ended the run with a three-pointer, but that didn’t stop the Storm’s surge.
Seattle shot 15 of 22 in the first quarter to lead 35-14 while the Mercury struggled to find an offensive rhythm. Phoenix had nearly as many turnovers (five) as field goals (six) and looked disorganized for much of the quarter.
The Mercury were better in the second quarter, opening the second quarter with a 7-0 run while cutting the deficit to 43-31 at halftime. Ogwumike scored 14 points.
The Storm rallied again in the third quarter while the Mercury sank again, extending the lead to 68-49. Phoenix tried to rally in the fourth quarter, but Seattle held on each time, earning a road victory in what could be the final home game of Taurasi’s career.
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AP WNBA League: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
