Fansided

Diana Taurasi wears No. 8 Mercury jersey in honor of Kobe Bryant (Photo)

By Steven Kubitza

PALMETTO, FLORIDA - AUGUST 16: Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury dribbles during the first half of a game against the Dallas Wings at Feld Entertainment Center on August 16, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
PALMETTO, FLORIDA - AUGUST 16: Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury dribbles during the first half of a game against the Dallas Wings at Feld Entertainment Center on August 16, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Diana Taurasi paid tribute to Kobe Bryant.

The Phoenix Mercury picked up a one-point victory over the Washington Mystics on Sunday thanks in large part to the 34 points scored by the ageless Diana Taurasi. She is still dominating in her 15th WNBA season at 38 years old.

Taurasi is a legend of the game and used her jersey on Sunday to honor another legend. The Southern California native donned No. 8 to pay tribute to the late Kobe Bryant on what would have been his 42nd birthday.

Diana Taurasi offers a great tribute

Wearing Bryant’s name and number was a great gesture. Scoring 34 points in 32 minutes to lead her team to victory was the perfect touch. She also drilled seven 3s to helpPhoenix get the win.

Taurasi grew up being just a few years younger than Bryant and the two became friends later in life. She even earned the nickname of “White Mamba.”

Losing Bryant and his daughter Gianna was a shock earlier in 2020 and still doesn’t seem real. The memorials held in their honor showed the impact Bryant had on not just the game of basketball, but on people. Taurasi spoke at the memorial held at Staples Center and made clear the impact Bryant had on her life.

She is living up to the nickname he gave her this season by averaging over 16 points per game as the Mercury seek their first title since 2014. Every point Taurasi scores also increases her already significant lead atop the WNBA‘s all-time scoring list.

Next. The breakout stars of the 2020 WNBA season. dark

Bryant’s legacy lives on through the game of basketball, and Taurasi dropping 34 points in the No. 8 jersey may have her using it more often for good luck.

Home/WNBA