Engraving Her Name Into Elite 2, 41YO WNBA Legend Joins Michael Jordan for Record-Breaking Milestone

The 2023 WNBA season has been nothing short of historic. From the regular season to the All-Star Weekend, records have been broken over and over again. In such a momentous season, there came another unbelievable moment, where a WNBA star equaled a record set by His Airness, Michael Jordan himself. The WNBA has also seen a major increase in viewership in the past few years. The game has elevated to a different level, providing thrilling moments to fans across the world.

The same happened last night, when the Phoenix Mercury took on the Atlanta Dream. In a stunning display of longevity and basketball brilliance, a 41-year-old Mercury legend equaled a record set by Michael Jordan 20 years ago.

A 41-year-old WNBA star makes history equaling Michael Jordan

The Phoenix Mercury took on the Atlanta Dream for a regular season matchup. However, this game soon turned into a historic moment for the WNBA. Mercury star guard Diana Taurasi made history, dropping 42 points on the Dream at the age of 41. Taurasi ended the night with 42 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, shooting 57.1% from the field. She not only handed the Mercury a comfortable 91-71 victory but also became the oldest WNBA player to score 40 points. However, her record-breaking night did not stop there.

She became the first WNBA player to enter the 10,000-point club on the same night and in style. She drained a shot from beyond the arc in the third quarter to reach the incredible milestone. Taurasi also had her fourth 40-point game, the most in WNBA history. The 41-year-old guard additionally equaled a record held previously by the Chicago Bulls legend, Michael Jordan.

She became only the second player aged 40 or above to score 40 points. Michael Jordan had previously stood alone in this list for 20 years. Taurasi’s achievement re-established her position as a Hall of Fame player in the WNBA and an undisputed legend of the game.

READ MORE : WNBA Legend Diana Taurasi Achieved a Historic Feat Only Accomplished By NBA Legends Michael Jordan and Dirk Nowitzki

Taurasi entered the elite list of players aged 40 or above to score 40 points. However, the Black Cat reigned supreme on this list for 2o years. How did Jordan achieve this feat all those years ago?

Revisiting Jordan’s brilliance at 40 years of age

Michael Jordan was a generational player in the NBA. The 5-time MVP headlined an entire era of dominance in the 1990s with the Chicago Bulls. Winning 6 championships in a decade, Jordan and the Bulls became the most celebrated entities in the basketball world. However, Jordan’s career did not end in the Bulls colors.

After winning his sixth ring, Jordan announced his retirement from basketball in 1998. However, he made a shocking comeback in 2002 to join the Washington Wizards. It was with the Wizards that Jordan made history as a 40 year old, going off for a 40 point game against the New Jersey Nets in 2003.

His Airness shot 18-30 on his way to drop 43 points on the Nets. He also led his team to pull off a shocking 89-86 victory against the Nets who were title contenders at the time. He also splashed the go-ahead three pointer in the game to seal the victory. This phenomenal achievement was probably Jordan’s most memorable moment in the Wizards uniform.

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After this phenomenal performance, Jordan stood alone in the elite list of players aged 40 or above who scored 40 points until Taurasi joined him, 20 years later. Her heroics also delivered the Mercury a much-needed win in the season. After an underwhelming WNBA season for the Mercury, Taurasi’s historic performance serves as their biggest highlight of the season.