"We can end her career on Wednesday" - Lynx superstar jokingly addresses Diana Taurasi's retirement rumors

By Tristan Rawcliffe

Modified Sep 23, 2024 12:55 GMT

Facing elimination from the 2024 WNBA playoffs, Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi's illustrious career could be approaching its conclusion. Amid speculation about her imminent retirement, Minnesota Lynx superstar forward Napheesa Collier joked about ending the three-time champion's career.

After relinquishing a 23-point lead to Phoenix, Minnesota responded down the stretch of Sunday's Game 1 first-round playoff matchup at Target Center. Trailing 92-91 with around two minutes remaining, the second-seeded Lynx went on a game-clinching 9-0 run, winning 102-95. The victory gave them a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three series.

Minnesota was led by Collier's postseason career-high 38 points on 57.9% shooting. The 2024 MVP runner-up added six rebounds and four assists, making history as the second WNBA player to tally at least 38/6/4 in the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Taurasi had a respectable outing in her team's losing effort, recording 21 points and five 3-pointers on 50.0% shooting.

The 42-year-old's potential retirement has been a hot topic throughout the year. So, if Phoenix drops Wednesday's Game 2 clash in Minnesota, Taurasi could seemingly call it a career.

Following Sunday's dominant Game 1 performance, Collier reflected on her fellow University of Connecticut alumnus' acclaimed resume. She expressed gratitude at winning two gold medals alongside Taurasi on Team USA at the past two Olympics, including this summer's Paris Games.

"It seems like it's her retirement tour," Collier said. "I don't know. She's been pretty quiet about it. She's obviously a UConn great, a league GOAT, so I feel lucky to have been able to play with her on Team USA and against her."

However, Collier concluded her praise of arguably the WNBA's greatest player ever by quipping about her desire to see the Lynx finish Taurasi off.

"Hopefully, we can end her career on Wednesday," Collier said.

Minnesota went 3-1 against Phoenix during the regular season, with its three wins coming by double figures. Meanwhile, its lone loss was by just one point.

Thus, most signs point toward the Lynx advancing on Wednesday. If so, it remains to be seen if Taurasi will officially retire after 20 seasons.

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Napheesa Collier clarifies joke about "ending" Diana Taurasi's career

Napheesa Collier's seemingly lighthearted postgame comments about seeking to "end" Diana Taurasi's career quickly garnered news headlines and social media attention. However, the four-time All-Star took to X/Twitter Sunday night to ensure her remarks weren't misinterpreted.

Collier noted that her main intention was to underscore her team's aspiration to advance to Round 2, not take a shot at Taurasi.

"Okay, I just meant that I want us to win the game on Wednesday, so we don’t go to a Game 3. Please don’t hype this," Collier tweeted.

Nevertheless, perhaps Collier's playful jab can motivate Taurasi and Co. to extend the series to a third game in Phoenix.

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