WNBA legend Diana Taurasi told referees 'I'll see you in the lobby later' in response to a foul call she didn't like

• WNBA icon Diana Taurasi got caught on camera mouthing off to a referee while playing a game in the league's bubble at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
• After she was whistled for a shooting foul during the Phoenix Mercury's game Friday night, Taurasi warned one official "I'll see you in the lobby later," a comment for which she received a technical foul.
• Given the WNBA's strict quarantine protocols to avoid a COVID-19 outbreak during the 2020 season, referees live alongside players in the "wubble" and often see each other outside of the basketball court.

Diana Taurasi has never been one to bite her tongue.

The WNBA's all-time leading scorer — who is widely considered the greatest player to ever compete in the league — is a notorious trash-talker and regular recipient of technical fouls. So for those familiar with Taurasi's antics, it was just a matter of time before the "White Mamba" jawed off with a referee while both parties were confined to the WNBA's bubble.

The big moment finally arrived on Friday when Taurasi's Phoenix Mercury were facing off against the Minnesota Lynx. Midway through the third quarter with her team trailing by nine, Taurasi was whistled for a shooting foul on the Lynx's Napheesa Collier. The 10-time All-WNBA first-teamer vehemently disagreed with the call, arguing with the referees as she made her way to the other end of the court.

During a momentary pause in the commentary, Taurasi was caught telling one official "I'll see you in the lobby later."

Given the WNBA's strict quarantine protocols to avoid a COVID-19 outbreak, referees live alongside players in the "wubble" at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. So when Taurasi said "I'll see you in the lobby later," she really meant it.

The official on the receiving end of Taurasi's wrath responded by issuing a technical foul to the nine-time All-Star.

It was not the first time the 38-year-old sharpshooter has gotten T'd up in the wubble. One game prior, Taurasi received a technical after screaming "that's b-------" repeatedly after getting called for an offensive foul against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Though the WNBA GOAT is playing some of the best basketball of her career in her 16th season in the league, Phoenix is struggling to find a rhythm more than halfway into the abbreviated season. The Mercury own a 7-7 record, putting them on the cusp of playoff contention.

To make matters worse, Brittney Griner — the tallest member of Phoenix's "Big Three" — has left the wubble to attend to personal matters. But even without the 6-foot-8 center on their side, the Mercury pulled off an impressive 88-87 victory over the reigning-champion Washington Mystics thanks to a 34-point showing from Taurasi.

Phoenix will need to carry that momentum down the stretch of the regular season to lock in a spot in the playoffs. Taurasi and company will take on the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday before gearing up for a Friday-night rematch against the Mystics.

• Read more:
• WNBA legend Diana Taurasi had her most impressive game in years on Kobe Bryant's birthday while wearing his name and number
• WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu appears to be rehabbing her ankle sprain with Kobe Bryant's family
• WNBA superstar Breanna Stewart revealed that she spent more than $30,000 of her own money to rehab her devastating Achilles tear, and now she looks better than ever before
• Jay Williams has become one of ESPN's strongest, most dignified voices during an unprecedented moment for sports: 'My whole life has led me to this moment'