Kelsey Mitchell scored 33 points to break A’ja Wilson’s WNBA single-season scoring record, leading the Indiana Fever to a 103-85 win over the Toronto Tempo on Friday. Mitchell finished the game with 1,034 points, surpassing Wilson’s 1,021 from 2024.
Kelsey Mitchell’s 33-point explosion against the Toronto Tempo on Friday not only secured a 103-85 victory for the Indiana Fever but also etched her name into WNBA history. Mitchell surpassed A’ja Wilson’s single-season scoring record of 1,021 points, set in 2024, by tallying 1,034 points. Mitchell’s milestone came in a game where she shot 12 of 17 field goals and 7 of 11 3-pointers, extending her streak of 25 consecutive games with at least 20 points—a WNBA record.
A Historic Night for Mitchell and the Fever
The Indiana Fever’s 103-85 win over the Toronto Tempo was a showcase of offensive dominance. Mitchell’s 33 points, combined with Caitlin Clark’s 28 points and 14 assists, fueled the Fever’s eighth victory in their last 10 games. Clark, who recently helped the U.S. win the FIBA World Cup, matched her season-high 14 assists, contributing to the Fever’s league-leading 97.1 points per game this season.
Mitchell’s record-breaking 3-pointer in the third quarter came with 22 points in the game, pushing her season total past Wilson’s mark. The previous record was set in 2024 (when teams played only 40 games), while Mitchell’s achievement comes during a season with the WNBA expanding its regular-season schedule to 44 games in 2025 and 2026. Despite the expanded schedule, Mitchell’s performance has drawn comparisons to baseball’s Roger Maris, whose record 61 homers faced similar debates over schedule length.
Wilson’s Challenge and the Playoff Race
A’ja Wilson, who currently leads the WNBA in points per game, remains within striking distance of Mitchell. As of Friday, Wilson had 991 points, 43 points behind Mitchell. The Las Vegas Aces star, however, has played three fewer games, leaving room for a potential comeback. Both players have three regular-season games remaining, with playoff seeding still in flux.
The Fever and Aces are locked in a tight battle for playoff positioning. The Fever (27-14) entered Friday one game ahead of the Atlanta Dream for the fourth seed, while the Aces (28-13) held a one-game lead over the Fever in the loss column. Wilson’s Aces face the Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury, three teams that rank no better than eighth in points allowed per game, whereas the Fever’s upcoming opponents—Minnesota and Washington—are among the top three in points allowed per game.
The Context of Expansion and Record-Breaking
The WNBA’s decision to expand its regular season to 44 games in 2025 and 2026 has reshaped the landscape of scoring records. Mitchell’s 1,034 points this season already outpaces the previous record. The league’s growth has sparked debates about the significance of such achievements, with some arguing that longer seasons make high-scoring feats more attainable.
Yahoo Sports highlighted the historical parallels between Mitchell’s record and Maris’ record of 61 homers, noting that no one bothers denigrating baseball records now because of that schedule shift.
The Fever’s offensive firepower, led by Mitchell and Clark, has been a key factor in the league’s evolving dynamics. The duo’s combined points this season (Mitchell: 1,034, Clark: 837) has set a new standard for scoring.
What Comes Next for Mitchell and the WNBA
With three games remaining, Mitchell’s record might not last for long. A’ja Wilson’s potential surge in the final stretch of the season could see her reclaim the record. However, Mitchell’s current 43-point cushion and the Fever’s playoff ambitions give her a strong advantage. The Fever’s next game is against the Washington Mystics on Sunday, while the Aces face the Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury.
The Tempo, meanwhile, continue to struggle, losing their fifth straight game and 17 of their last 18. Guard Marina Mabrey’s absence due to a right adductor injury has further hampered their efforts. The team’s home finale against the New York Liberty is on Sunday.