Mercury Coach Drops Honest Review Of Diana Taurasi's Current Mental State

Phoenix Mercury superstar Diana Taurasi has been sidelined with a lower leg injury for the past week. After missing three straight games , the veteran guard returned to the lineup against the Connecticut Sun Sunday.

Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts spoke on Taurasi's mental state before the Phoenix matchup, revealing his honest take on the challenges she's faced.

“No one loves to compete more than DT. So, I know the last couple of days has been mentally challenging for her. Our whole thing before the break was to make a push our last nine games and we have played well when healthy. We’ve just been challenged at times,” Tibbetts said.

Despite being the oldest player in the WNBA at 42 years old, Taurasi has had a productive season, averaging 16.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.

According to Ayrton Ostly at USA Today , Taurasi's leg injury is her first "notable" injury since she suffered from a broken bone in her foot in 2021.

The Mercury are currently 12-11 on the season, listed as the No. 4 team in the Western Conference standings and No. 6 in the WNBA.

As Tibbetts explained, Phoenix has dealt with a few setbacks during the 2024 season, especially in the injury realm.

Both Taurasi and Griner have missed multiple games for the Mercury this season, with the 6-foot-9 center being sidelined at the beginning of the year with a foot injury .

Taurasi has faced challenges of her own, given what Tibbetts described as her competitive nature. She was away from the team, rehabbing the injury and working her way back into playing form.

The three-time WNBA champion will have an opportunity to get back in rhythm against the Sun before she caps off the first half of the season and prepares for the WNBA All-Star game July 20 and the Team USA Olympic matchup July 23.

Related: Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi Receive Big Update Ahead Of Olympics

Related: Caitlin Clark Makes Her Feelings About Brittney Griner Crystal Clear