How do you know it’s time to retire? While that question might not have a straightforward answer, for Diana Taurasi, it was clear. “Mentally and physically, I’m just full,” she told Time back in February. And then, she never looked back at the WNBA—simply because she was using her time with her wife, Penny Taylor, and their kids. But that break honestly didn’t last long!
The Phoenix Mercury vs the Atlanta Dream clash on Wednesday night wasn’t just another game in the second half of the season. Brittney Griner was coming to her home of 11 years. And how could Taurasi not be there to support her longtime teammate?
So, she and Penny made it to the sidelines to support Griner, who ended up recording 17 points and eight rebounds against her former team, the Mercury, in a 90–79 Dream victory. Heartache? It should be, as this is the same team Griner debuted with, made 10 All-Star appearances, and helped lead to the 2014 WNBA title.
But, worse? Sitting on the sidelines, Taurasi supported Griner, but let’s not forget, she’s got a legacy with the Mercury too. After all, in her iconic 20-year career, she never left the side of the same franchise. Well, Griner herself puts it better: “Dee means everything to me. … She taught me so much on how to be a better basketball player, a better person, (and) spouse.”
Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor in the building
Mercury royalty pulled up for tonight’s matchup!
ATL-PHX | CBS Sports Network pic.twitter.com/UIJ63W9lHN
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 24, 2025
So, you know what it felt like for her. But still, Taurasi remained blissful, and that’s why even the crowd at the arena couldn’t help but cheer for the 41-year-old as her name got called—along with her impressive résumé. And yes, it wasn’t just the courtside audience!
WNBA fans flood the comment section with love and heart!
As the snap of Diana attending the game alongside her wife and Phoenix GM went viral, fans couldn’t help but gush over the GOAT’s return. “This is crazy for WNBA,” penned one spectator. Not just because Taurasi was there, but because of how much the league and its stories have evolved over the last few years.
Just think about it—Taurasi and Taylor were watching their former teammates Griner and DeWanna Bonner play. It was nostalgic, considering all of them won the 2014 WNBA title together, but now each has taken a different path that shaped who they are today. But yes, the energy is only getting better. While Taurasi may be retired, the other players aren’t letting the fire of that 2014 championship squad fade. “Impressed with the energy in PHX tn. League’s in a good spot,” wrote another user.
Earlier, the game was head-to-head, but with just 3:03 left in the quarter, Sami Whitcomb knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to give the Mercury a 7-point lead at 84–71. But helping seal the deal for Atlanta was none other than Griner, who answered with a basket in the lane to extend the Dream’s lead to 86–77. From there? No looking back as the Dream took the win.
Paris 2024 Olympics – Basketball – Women’s Group Phase – Group C – Belgium vs United States – Lille, Pierre Mauroy Stadium, Villeneve-d’Ascq, France – August 01, 2024. Brittney Griner of United States celebrates with Diana Taurasi of United States after the match. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
But, that’s not to say the Mercury were slacking as Sabally finished with 13 points, Copper added 10, and DeWanna Bonner led with 18. But it wasn’t much a bother for fans. Not when the legend was in the building for the first time in September 2024. “Love Diana,” penned another user.
But more than Mercury pride, Taurasi was there for a bigger purpose—to support her former teammate. When Griner joined the Mercury in 2013, it was Taurasi who welcomed her with open arms and became the mentor who helped shift her entire outlook. She taught Griner how to train, how to carry herself professionally, and how to approach the game with purpose. So, you understand why Griner once called Taurasi “my sister” and “somebody I look up to.” Fans just loved watching the duo in the same space again.
“Like old times in Downtown Phoenix on Wednesday. Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi both back on the court here for the first time since the end of last year,” noted another fan.
It was under DT’s guidance that Griner not only improved statistically but also helped lead the Mercury to a WNBA championship. But their influence isn’t limited to the WNBA; it extends overseas too, where they played together for UMMC Ekaterinburg during the off‑seasons. Well, that’s the kind of bond the two W legends share.
“Diana Taurasi has made her return to Phoenix for Brittney Griner’s first game against the Mercury,” noted another observer. And yes, this isn’t the only time Diana has shown up for Griner. Remember 2022, when Griner endured that harrowing 10-month detention in Russia? Taurasi lent support every way she could—texting, calling, and even greeting her at the airport upon return. “Every single day we suffered and hoped she’d be back… And just to see her smile … was really emotional for everyone,” Taurasi had shared.
After all, together they’ve won the 2014 Mercury championship and multiple Olympic gold medals—2016, 2020, and again in 2024 in Paris. And it had been their complementary roles, a light-footed guard and a dominant post, that once made them one of the most feared duos in women’s basketball. So even though Taurasi is retired, everything about their bond still stands strong!
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