When the game ended, the lights dimmed in the seating areas as the spotlight beamed on Taurasi at center court. Before she addressed the crowd, a tribute video for Taurasi played on the screen above. It was the same video that the Mercury social media account posted to X on Thursday afternoon, teasing a potential retirement announcement.

It’s well known that Diana Taurasi could be playing her last WNBA regular season game tonight. The Phoenix Mercury social media admins have certainly hinted at the possibility, spearheading an “If this is it” campaign and posting a tribute video to her earlier on Thursday.

One of those fans on the sideline, witnessing what could be a moment in history for the WNBA, was former Storm guard and league legend Sue Bird. Bird and Taurasi shared a moment after the game. The two hugged and exchanged some words before Taurasi addressed the fans at Footprint Center.