PHOENIX — Nneka Ogwumike scored 17 factors and the Seattle Storm spoiled what could possibly be the ultimate dwelling sport of Diana Taurasi’s 20-year profession with an 89-70 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night time.
Taurasi had 9 factors on 3-of-9 taking pictures in 18 minutes, returning after the gang began a chant of “We wish DT!” within the closing minutes. She returned lower than a minute later to a different chant — “Yet another 12 months!” — and addressed the gang following a tribute video.
Brittney Griner led the Mercury with 11 factors.
The Storm (25-15) had been already locked within the WNBA’s No. 5 playoff seed and will open the primary spherical Sunday on the Las Vegas Aces in a best-of-three collection.
Phoenix (19-21) has locked up the No. 7 seed and can play No. 2 Minnesota in a best-of-three first-round collection beginning Sunday, however there’s no certainty Taurasi shall be again for one more sport within the desert. The Lynx might finish Taurasi’s profession — if this certainly is it — by sweeping the primary two video games.
Mercury gamers honored Taurasi earlier than the sport, carrying her jersey with a goat — Best Of All Time — within the No. 3 throughout participant introductions. The 42-year-old Taurasi has not stated whether or not she’s going to retire after this season, however has hinted this is perhaps it.
Taurasi’s place as one of many best ladies’s basketball gamers of all time is unquestioned, a resume that features a number of championships and data.
The Storm had been intent on spoiling Taurasi’s night time, scoring the sport’s first 10 factors. Taurasi — in fact — ended the run with a 3-pointer, but it surely didn’t cease the Storm’s push.
Seattle shot 15 of twenty-two within the first quarter to steer 35-14 whereas the Mercury struggled to get into an offensive move. Phoenix had almost as many turnovers (5) as discipline objectives (six) and seemed disjointed via many of the quarter.
The Mercury had been higher within the second quarter, opening the second quarter with a 7-0 run whereas reducing the result in 43-31 by halftime. Ogwumike had 14 factors.
The Storm surged once more within the third quarter whereas the Mercury foundered once more, stretching the result in 68-49. Phoenix tried to mount a rally within the fourth quarter, however Seattle pushed again each time, working away with a street victory in presumably the ultimate dwelling sport of Taurasi’s profession.
