Kelsey Mitchell walked into the Fever locker room after a win over Toronto and had no idea what was about to happen. She thought she was just heading back to the team bus. Instead, she got a record-setting celebration she did not expect.
Mitchell scored 33 points in a 103-85 victory over the Toronto Tempo on Friday night, setting a WNBA season scoring record in the process. With a third-quarter 3-pointer, she passed A’ja Wilson’s mark of 1,021 points, which Wilson set for Las Vegas in 2024. Mitchell now has 1,034 points this season.
The confetti started falling as she entered the locker room. Her first thought was that coach Stephanie White had hit another milestone. Then the players started coming her way.
“Then, out of nowhere, everybody started coming my way, and I was like ‘Oh,’ and I put two together that it was for me,” Mitchell said.
The Record That Sneaked Up
The 3-pointer that broke the record did not feel like a milestone at the time. Mitchell shot 12 for 17 overall and made 7 of 11 from beyond the arc.
She also scored at least 20 points for the 25th consecutive game, extending her WNBA record.
Teammate Caitlin Clark Clark noticed the quiet nature of the achievement. She spoke directly about how little attention Mitchell’s season has received.
“I don’t think people realize what she’s done this year and how insane it’s been,” Clark said. “It’s probably not talked about enough, especially in my opinion.”
Clark’s own game was strong. In her first game since helping the U.S. win gold at the women’s FIBA World Cup, she scored 28 points and matched a season high with 14 assists.
What Mitchell Has Done
Mitchell’s scoring average this season sits at 25 points per game. Only Wilson (26.1) is averaging more.
That is the context for her record. Mitchell is not just leading the league.
White, the coach, has watched Mitchell play at a level she believes is unprecedented. She wants the team to appreciate what they are seeing.
“She’s playing at another level and it’s been really incredible to witness,” White said. “I hope that we don’t take it for granted that what we’re witnessing is some unprecedented stuff.”
Clark’s Big Night
Clark had a big night in her return to action. Her 28 points matched a season high, and her 14 assists showed her passing vision remains sharp.
It was the 10th time this season that Clark has scored 25 or more points and had 10 or more assists. That is more times than any other WNBA player has ever done it over their entire career.
The Team’s Season So Far
Indiana improved to 27-14 with three games remaining in the regular season. That record matches Atlanta’s.
Las Vegas, Atlanta and Indiana are all vying to secure home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. The Fever are in position to host early games, which matters in a three-game series format.
“Our goal is to gain homecourt advantage because that is really important, especially in that three-game series,” Clark said.
Schedule Running Order
| Date | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Friday night | Indiana vs. Toronto Tempo (103-85) |
| Next three games | Regular season finale |
The schedule shows the final stretch of the regular season ahead. The next three games will determine whether Indiana secures home-court advantage.
Key Numbers
- Mitchell’s season total: 1,034 points
- Wilson’s record: 1,021 points
- Mitchell’s shooting: 12 for 17 overall, 7 for 11 from 3-point range
- Mitchell’s streak: 25 consecutive games with at least 20 points
- Clark’s points: 28
- Clark’s assists: 14
The celebration in the locker room was unexpected for Mitchell. She walked in thinking she was just returning to the team. Instead, she walked into a moment that belonged to her.
That moment reflected what the season has been like for her. She has been performing at a high level consistently, and the record-breaking night was a natural result of that effort.
Mitchell’s teammates were quick to recognize the significance. White spoke about the unprecedented nature of what she is seeing from Mitchell.
The record is official. The recognition may still be catching up.
Source material: “Fever's Mitchell surprised by postgame party after setting WNBA scoring record in win at Toronto,” Yahoo Sports.
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