"One more year!" that rang out in the stadium…'Legend' Taurasi's Fireworks, Will It Burn Next Year?
"One more year!" that rang out in the stadium…'Legend' Taurasi's Fireworks, Will It Burn Next Year?
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The crowd chanted "One more year!" at Diana Taurasi (Pinix).
Can the legendary firework be extinguished? A special scene came out in the final game of the 2023-2024 WNBA regular league between the Phoenix Mercury and the Seattle Storm at the Phoenix Footprint Center in Arizona on the 20th (Korea time).
Despite the home team's 70-89 loss, spectators chanted "One more year!" day after day. The shouts were all messages sent to Taurasi.
Taurasi, who debuted in 2004, is a veteran and legendary figure who ranks first in score points (1,0646 points) in the WNBA. Taurasi also joined the roster of the 2024 Paris Olympic team and contributed to the U.S. team's great achievement for eight consecutive years. At the same time, he played in six Olympics and won six gold medals.
Born in 1982, he turned 42. Perhaps, this game could have been Taura's last home game. Phoenix, ranking seventh in the regular season, plans to play the second-ranked Minnesota Twins in the playoffs. As it will be held as a best-of-three series, if Phoenix fails to win even one win in an away game, it will not be able to return to Phoenix and end the season.
Taurashi had decided not to play in the fourth quarter, but made a surprise appearance with 3:11 left. It was the coach's consideration.
As Taurasi stepped on the court again, a standing ovation poured into the footprint center, and chants of "One more year!" rang out throughout the stadium. Then six seconds later, he was replaced. As he returned to the bench, he hugged each of his teammates as well as his parents who were sitting by the court.
The official announcement of his retirement has not been made yet. However, according to local media ESPN, Taurasi has expressed his desire to end his career quietly without announcing his retirement for years. 먹튀검증
"Good luck to everyone. See you in the winter," Taurasi said, before recalling the past 20 years. "I've made so many memories here. I started in 2004, got married, and had a family. It was pretty cool. I had so many memories that passed through my mind the moment I heard 'One more year!'"
He added, "The time has come for me to take a step back and think about my future. I have family. This decision will be made quickly."
Will Taurasi's flame, which has shared all history, be active next year.