Since she first stepped on the hardwood in Storrs, Conn., in 2000, Diana Taurasi has been headed in one precise direction. The stops have changed along the years – Phoenix, Russia, Turkey, Athens, London, Beijing, and Brazil, to name a few. But in the end, she will inevitably reach her destination – the top of the record books.

In a recent ESPN article, Taurasi’s former coach at Connecticut and with the U.S. Women’s National Basketball Team, Geno Auriemma said that he distinctly remembers “the 18-year-old Diana that I thought was going to transform the game.” Seventeen years later, despite three NCAA National Championships, three WNBA titles, four Olympic gold medals and six Euroleague titles, Taurasi continues to etch her name at the top of record books.

Entering Thursday’s match-up between the Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky, Taurasi stood just shy of two more unclaimed accomplishments: the all-time record for career 3-pointers made and a chance to pass Tamika Catchings for second on the all-time scoring list.

In typical fashion, Taurasi went above and beyond, putting on a show throughout the course of the game. With her first triple she set the 3-point mark, passing former teammate Katie Smith, and proceeded to tie the WNBA record for threes in a game with 8. When the night ended, she dropped 37 points on the Sky, more than enough to pass Catchings, and led her Mercury to a 99-91 win.

With a dominant game and history being made, Taurasi received plenty of attention and praise for her efforts. Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul took in the masterful performance courtside:

"Nobody deserves the accolades they're getting as much as her."@CP3 was on hand to witness @DianaTaurasi's historic night! #WatchMeWork pic.twitter.com/kreIVRNrnZ

— WNBA (@WNBA) June 2, 2017

Kobe Bryant paid homage to Taurasi’s greatness via Twitter:

Congrats @DianaTaurasi on being the @WNBA all time 3pt leader #Legend

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) June 2, 2017

Taurasi reflected on her most recent accomplishments after the game.

“Passing Katie Smith [for career 3-pointers made] is something I never thought would happen,” Taurasi said, “She was one of my heroes growing up. I got a chance to share the court with her at the Olympics and she taught me how to be a professional.

“Katie and Tina [Thompson], those two took me under their wing when I was 22 years old at the [2000] Olympics in Athens. Every time I step on the court I’m representing them, they put a lot of energy and respect in me. I do the same for them.”

Mercury coach Sandy Brondello is familiar with this type of performance from her star point guard.

“She’s got this drive that makes her want to be the best player,” Brondello told media after Thursday’s game. “Almost 35 years of age, she practices like she plays. It’s one speed … [to] not only break the record, but smash the record. She’s not big on accolades, but this should be something big for her.”

Even the opposition was left impressed. Chicago’s Stefanie Dolson, who nearly matched Taurasi from beyond the arc with a 6-for-7 effort, was left in awe of a fellow UConn Husky.

“I looked up to her before I even went to UConn,” Dolson said. “I always loved watching her play and the way she competed, and then being able to go to UConn and non-stop hearing about her.”

The leader of the Taurasi chatter that Dolson heard was often Auriemma. In the ESPN article, he said: “I always felt that I had a special connection with Diana, and that if I’ve said, ‘This is what I see,’ she would take it to heart.”

He also shared advice he gave to Taurasi as she enters the twilight of her career: “Do you need more trophies, money, medals or adulation to validate who you are? Because you already have all that.”

Auriemma is right – Taurasi certainly does not need those things. She has nothing left to prove, but she is not quite ready to stop. After all, she hasn’t yet reached her destination.