In recent news, Diana Taurasi has come under heavy criticism. Taurasi was involved in a controversial play that many call intentional and dirty. The move, which seemed to annoy many WNBA fans, has generated backlash, with fans calling for punishment.
Diana Lorena Taurasi, 41, is a professional basketball player who plays guard for the Women’s National Basketball Association’s Phoenix Mercury. She is a 20-year veteran, having been playing active basketball since she was drafted in 2004. She was the first overall pick that year, selected by Phoenix, where she has played all her career.
As one of the best and most experienced players in the league, she is now facing criticism for a nasty foul she committed on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The foul was committed against the Atlanta Dream, who lost the game. The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Atlanta Dream in a very close game that ended 88-85.
The foul, which came shortly after a basket was made, saw the veteran completely floor Dream player Cheyenne Parker-Tyus. When the incident occurred, the game had less than a minute left. The video of the foul has now circulated on social media, particularly on X.
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The comments that the video generated seemed to convince many WNBA fans that the action was deliberate. Fans have begun asking for Taurasi to be punished.
Taurasi is accustomed to becoming sensual when playing basketball. She had one too many technical fouls throughout the season in 2018, which resulted in her suspension. During a game in 2022, she kicked Minnesota Lynx center Sylvia Fowles, earning her a flagrant penalty of two. She was given a one-game ban and a $800 fine for the incident.
The Atlanta Dream have lost their second game of the 2024–20 season against the Phoenix Mercury. Although they returned from a 12-point deficit, it wasn’t enough to maintain their advantage and secure a win.
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When Rhyne Howard set up Parker-Tyus for a layup, the Dream took their first lead of the game, 73-72. Parker-Tyus scored 12 points in the fourth quarter, making both inside and outside-of-the-arc shots.
Atlanta managed to keep the game close, but Sophie Cunnigham’s 3-pointer gave Phoenix a 1-point advantage, 83-84.
With less than 40 seconds remaining, Dangerfield’s lob layup below the rim pulled Atlanta within one point of Phoenix, 85-86. Atlanta had just gone into a timeout after that.
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Atlanta’s Howard attempted a game-tying 3-point shot from 27 feet as the clock was running out, but it was unsuccessful.
Taurasi and the Mercury currently have a 1-1 record. On Tuesday night, Phoenix will play the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in a highly anticipated game.
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