Mercury History: Diana Taurasi And Teammates Represent Team USA

Team USA has dominated Olympic women's basketball, winning 10 gold medals in 13 appearances, including eight consecutive golds since 1996.

The U.S. teams have featured numerous stars, including several players from the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury who contributed to gold medal victories. Notable players mentioned include Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, and Sue Bird.

Diana Taurasi, a key Mercury player, joined the Olympic team in 2004 alongside players like Leslie and Swoopes. That year, Team USA secured gold after blowout wins over New Zealand, Spain, and Greece, defeating Russia in the semifinal (66-62) and Australia in the final.

In the 2008 Olympics, Taurasi was joined by fellow Mercury player Cappie Pondexter. Team USA dominated again, beating Australia 92-65 for the gold medal.

Taurasi played again in 2012, serving as the team's leading scorer (averaging 12.4 points). The team, featuring players like Candace Parker and Maya Moore, and with Mercury alumna Jennifer Gillom as an assistant coach, won gold while continuing their dominance.

For the 2016 Olympics, Taurasi was joined by Mercury teammate Brittney Griner. Taurasi led the team in scoring (15.6 ppg), while Griner led in rebounding (5.9 rpg). Team USA defeated Spain 101-72 in the final to win gold and extend their streak.

Taurasi and Griner returned for the 2020 Olympics, joined by Mercury teammate Skylar Diggins-Smith. This trio helped lead Team USA to another gold medal victory.

In her final Olympic appearance in 2024, Taurasi was joined by Griner and new Mercury teammate Kahleah Copper. The trio represented Team USA, which won gold after a close 67-66 victory over France.

Throughout this period of dominance, players from the Phoenix Mercury franchise have played a significant role for Team USA, and the franchise is expected to continue contributing to future success.