Kelsey Mitchell put together one of the most insane shooting seasons in WNBA history. She became the first player in WNBA history to lead the league in both made threes and 3-point percentage in the same season. Talk about setting a new bar, right?
Breaking Down The History-Making Numbers
Kelsey Mitchell did not just set records; she absolutely shattered them. She drilled an absurd 135 triples this year, shooting them at an absolutely phenomenal 45 percent clip. Think about that: 135 makes! That is the new single-season record, period. And for her to lead the entire league in efficiency while doing it? Unreal. That 45 percent mark is the highest single-season percentage for anyone who has ever made 100 or more 3-pointers. Seriously, what a performance.
The only other player in WNBA history to even sniff leading the league in makes and percentage in separate seasons is current Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon. Hammon topped efficiency in 2003 with 46.9 percent on only 23 makes, then nine years later, tied for most makes with 80 at 43.5 percent. Mitchell, meanwhile, led in both in the same year. This was also Mitchell’s second straight year leading the league in made threes, after hitting 111 last year at 39.4 percent. She’s been consistently dropping at least 100 triples at over 39 percent for four years running. This woman is a machine.
MVP Chants And What Comes Next For Mitchell
That three-point wizardry wasn’t just for show; it was a huge part of Mitchell averaging 24.7 points per game this year. That’s the fifth-highest scoring average of all time! Only presumptive MVP A’ja Wilson, with 26.2 points, topped her this season. Mitchell was on a ridiculous run, scoring 20 or more points in 27 consecutive games, from June 22 all the way up to this past Tuesday. No wonder the MVP chants were ringing out at Gainbridge Fieldhouse! She finished fifth in MVP voting last year, tenth the year before, and now she’s got a real shot at a top-three finish this season. Our own Edwin Garcia has her locked in for her second straight All-WNBA First Team nod.
Her career clip of 39.1 percent on 804 makes is seriously impressive. While Sue Bird’s 39.2 percent on 1,001 makes still tops her, Mitchell, at just 30 years old, has so much time left to play. She’s already sixth all-time in makes and should easily pass Bird for second. Diana Taurasi’s absurd 1,447 makes might seem out of reach, but if Mitchell keeps this up and rivals DT’s longevity, who knows? Caitlin Clark herself said, “She’s a better human than she is basketball player, which is hard to believe because she’s a pretty good basketball player.” That tells you everything you need to know about the kind of player and person Mitchell is.
What’s next for Mitchell? With that kind of record-breaking efficiency and volume, combined with her scoring prowess, the league better be ready. She’s only 30, and if she maintains this trajectory, she’s not just chasing records; she’s aiming for all-time legendary status. Keep your eyes locked on Kelsey Mitchell, because she’s proving that the history books are still being written, and she’s holding the pen.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
Leave a Reply