In 2024, A’ja Wilson became the first player to score 1000 points in a WNBA season. Kelsey Mitchell just became the second player to do it. With four games left in the season, Mitchell has already scored 1001 points and is well on track to break Wilson’s single-season record of 1021 points.
Mitchell is on a historic scoring tear and has overtaken Wilson in total points scored. Wilson, who trails Mitchell by just 39 points, has a chance to be the first player to lead the W in scoring three years in a row since Cynthia Cooper did it in the first three seasons of the league’s existence. However, Mitchell has become a real obstacle.
While Wilson could realistically make up that 39-point deficit in a single game and will face three of the worst defenses with games against Seattle, LA, and Phoenix still on the Aces’ schedule, Becky Hammon might try to rest Wilson as much as possible before the playoffs and Mitchell has shown no signs of slowing down. So, Mitchell can realistically dethrone Wilson as the W’s leading scorer and keep her from joining Cynthia Cooper in the history books.
If Mitchell breaks Wilson’s streak, the Aces star still finds herself in exclusive company, though. Cooper, Katie Smith, Lauren Jackson, Cappie Pondexter, and Tina Charles are the only other players to lead the league in scoring in two consecutive seasons.
Mitchell and Wilson are redefining scoring excellence in the W
There are more games in a season now, the games are officiated differently, and players’ offensive talents are expanding. We’re in a new age of scoring in the W, and Wilson and Mitchell are leading the charge.
Wilson is the epitome of a modern big. Yes, she’s deadly efficient as a scorer around the rim, but she can also step out and knock down almost 40% of her 3-point attempts, and she is steadily evolving as a playmaker and passer. Wilson just turned 30, and teams are already running out of ways to guard her.
Mitchell, meanwhile, is showcasing what it means to be an unstoppable scorer from the perimeter. She is perhaps the fastest player in the league with the ball in her hands, and if you ask a perimeter player who their toughest matchup has been this season, they will probably say Mitchell. It’s almost impossible to stay in front of her. On top of that, Mitchell is having a career season from deep, knocking down 45.5% of her 6.7 3-point attempts per game.
They will most likely both finish the season with 1000 points, while no one else may even crack the 900-point mark. Kahleah Copper and Caitlin Clark are currently 90 and 91 points away, respectively.
Add us as a preferred source on Google