Since its inception in 1997, the WNBA has seen a revolving door of talented offensive players. Some stars make scoring look effortless with their grace, agility, and savvy. There are also those who use their strength, height, and heft to bully opponents and get buckets.
There have been numerous scoring exploits in the WNBA. This season, Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale and Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum are tied for the most points scored in a game, as of writing, with 37 markers apiece. Curiously, two players are also tied for the most points scored in a game in the history of the WNBA.
Who Holds The Most Points In A Single WNBA Game Record?
On July 17, 2018, Dallas Wings star Liz Cambage set a new record after exploding for 53 points against the New York Liberty. She broke the previous record of 51 points set by Tulsa Shock guard Riquna Williams. Cambage shot 17-of-22 from the field and 15-of-16 from the free throw line. She also had 10 rebounds and five blocks as she imposed her will in the paint. The 33-year-old Cambage, who hails from Australia, now plays for the Sichuan Yuanda in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association after stepping away from the WNBA in 2022.
Cambage’s feat was duplicated on August 23, 2023, by Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson. She powered the Aces over the Atlanta Dream, 112-100, after dropping 53 points. Wilson shot 16-of-23 from the field and went 20-of-21 from the charity stripe. She also tallied seven rebounds and four blocks. The Dream had an absolute nightmare in trying to stop Wilson from getting buckets.
Wilson, who recently reached 5,000 career points, said in a report from ESPN after the game: “My teammates kept giving me the basketball in my spaces and I just wanted to return the favor. They tried so hard to get me the ball, and it’s not easy. I think we just tightened up on the defensive end, and it helped our offense flow.” The 28-year-old center’s scoring also flowed on August 27, 2024, as she scored 42 points in their loss to the Wings, 93-90.
Who Has The Most Career Points In WNBA?
While Cambage and Wilson co-own the highest-scoring game in the league’s history, they are not in the top 10 in terms of all-time scoring.
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Phoenix Mercury icon Diana Taurasi is head and shoulders above the competition with 10,646 career points. She retired last season after an illustrious 20-year career that saw her win three championships and two Finals MVP trophies. She entered the WNBA in 2004 with an advanced offensive game compared to her contemporaries. Her versatility, size, and range made her almost impossible to defend during her peak.
Following Taurasi on the list is former MVP Tina Charles with 8,040 career points. Up next is Mercury veteran Dewanne Bonner, who has 7,575 career points and counting. Rounding out the top five are WNBA legends Tina Thompson and Tamika Catchings. Also in the top 10 are prolific scorers Candice Dupree, Nneka Ogwumike, Cappie Pondexter, Sue Bird, and Candace Parker.
Better Offense In The WNBA?
While the WNBA has also embraced the pace-and-space style, scoring hasn’t necessarily increased. According to a report from Sportico, average scoring per 100 possessions in the WNBA dipped a bit in 2024 at 103.5 points compared to the 104.2 points in 2023. It noted that in 2016, it was already at 103.8.
It’s possible that while the offensive side has improved with more skilled scorers, the defensive end has also kicked up a notch, aided by more intricate scouting and expansive advanced analytics. But with players like Wilson, Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, it’s not impossible that one of them could reach the 60-point barrier soon.
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