Diana Taurasi's legendary shooting prowess redefined what was possible in the WNBA, leaving an indelible mark on the league's history! But how did she achieve such remarkable shooting feats, and what does her record mean for the future of the game?
When you think of all-time WNBA greats, Diana Taurasi immediately comes to mind. Known for her electrifying play and ability to score in countless ways, she was a constant headache for opposing defenses. By the time her illustrious career concluded, she had amassed an incredible 10,646 points. That's a monumental achievement in itself!
But here's where it gets truly groundbreaking: in 2018, Taurasi achieved something no one else had before. She became the first player in WNBA history to sink 1,000 career three-pointers. This wasn't just a milestone; it was a paradigm shift in how we viewed scoring in the league.
Across her career, the Phoenix Mercury guard sunk a staggering 1,447 three-pointers. And guess what? That record still stands strong today. It's a testament to her dedication, skill, and sheer volume of incredible shots. Her former UConn teammate, Sue Bird, is the closest competitor, holding the second spot with 1,001 three-pointers. It's fascinating that these two legends remain the only players to have crossed the 1,000-three-point threshold, though a new generation of stars is certainly aiming to climb that leaderboard.
Looking at the top 10 three-point shooters, we see a mix of active and retired stars. Katie Smith sits in third place with 906 career threes. She played from 1999 to 2013 and has since transitioned into coaching, currently serving as an assistant coach at Ohio State. Her career longevity and scoring ability were truly impressive.
Next up is Becky Hammon, who is fourth on the list with 829 three-pointers. After a stellar playing career, Hammon has made a significant impact as the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces.
Rounding out the top five is Tina Thompson with 748 three-pointers. Following her is Katie Douglas, who made 727 threes.
And this is the part most people miss: while the top spots are dominated by retired legends, the first active player to appear on this esteemed list is Kayla McBride. Playing for the Minnesota Lynx, she has an impressive 722 three-pointers to her name. Close behind her is Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever.
Further down, Jewell Loyd holds the ninth spot with 667 threes, while Mercury veteran DeWanna Bonner secures the 10th position with 663. It's clear that the Mercury has had a significant presence in the history of three-point shooting!
The ties to the Phoenix Mercury don't stop there. Kristi Toliver, currently the Mercury's associate head coach, is 11th on the list. And Sami Whitcomb, who joined Phoenix last year, is 20th with 511 threes.
Even more former Mercury players grace the list. Allie Quigley and Leilani Mitchell are right behind Whitcomb. Quigley, though drafted by the Seattle Storm, made her WNBA debut with the Mercury. Mitchell was initially drafted by the Mercury but later returned to Phoenix after starting her career with the New York Liberty.
Diana Taurasi's dominance in this category is undeniable, and her record offers a substantial lead. It makes you wonder, will anyone ever break her 1,000+ three-pointer record, or is it a mark that will stand for generations? What do you think about the evolution of three-point shooting in the WNBA? Let us know in the comments below!
