The W.N.B.A. has witnessed a resurgence of 40-point games this season, a trend that had been absent in recent years. In fact, this season has seen a record-breaking ten instances where a player has scored at least 40 points in a game, the highest number in the league’s 27-year history since 2018 when Liz Cambage achieved the feat twice. With several games left in the regular season, there is still a chance for even more impressive scoring performances.
Breanna Stewart, the star forward for the Liberty, attributes the increase in 40-point games to the growing attention and interest in women’s basketball. In a recent interview, she stated, “You see a lot of 40-point games this year, and I think that we’re just continuing to get eyes on women’s basketball.”
Stewart herself has been a standout performer this season, achieving three 40-point games in 2023, a remarkable feat that distinguishes her as the first player in W.N.B.A. history to accomplish this in a regular season. Elena Delle Donne holds the previous record with two 40-point games in the regular season and one in the postseason for the Chicago Sky in 2015.
Stewart’s scoring prowess is displayed through her versatile playing style. In her most recent game, she showcased her skills through various methods, including making a left-handed layup against Kristy Wallace, executing a turnaround fadeaway shot over Lexie Hull, and sinking a long-range 3-pointer after trailing the play.
While Stewart’s scoring abilities have come to the forefront this season, she has previously shown glimpses of her potential. In her final game with the Seattle Storm, she recorded 42 points, tying a postseason record. This exceptional performance has carried over to her time with the Liberty, as she scored a career-high 45 points in her first home game and followed it up with 43 points in a victory over the Phoenix Mercury.
Stewart’s outstanding performance coincided with Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson achieving her first career 40-point game, further amplifying the excitement surrounding high-scoring performances in the league. Wilson and Stewart, both former Most Valuable Player Award winners, are ranked among the top five players in points and rebounds per game this season, making them strong contenders for another MVP title.
This trend of 40-point games has led to speculation about a potential “40-point rivalry” developing among these exceptional players. Stewart humorously remarked, “I don’t know—there’s something in the water.”
Notably, both Stewart’s Liberty and Wilson’s Aces hold top positions in the league standings. The Aces, the reigning champions, are approaching the record for the best single-season winning percentage, while the Liberty are off to their best start in franchise history as they aim for their first championship. The two teams have already faced each other twice, with one victory each, and are scheduled to play three more times in August.
The Liberty’s offseason signings of top players have generated excitement, but the Aces also boast elite talent. Kelsey Plum, a two-time All-Star, joined the Aces and had her own 40-point game this season. Plum displayed her sharpshooting skills by hitting six 3-pointers in a game against the Minnesota Lynx in July. Meanwhile, the dominant 6-foot-4 Wilson overwhelmed defenders with her post moves and midrange jumpers.
It’s worth noting that prior to this season, players like Wilson, Plum, Rhyne Howard, Jewell Loyd, Arike Ogunbowale, and DeWanna Bonner had never achieved a 40-point game. However, the 2023 season has showcased their incredible scoring abilities, indicating a wealth of potential candidates who may reach the coveted 50-point mark.
Diana Taurasi, a veteran guard for the Phoenix Mercury, exemplified this potential when she became the first player in W.N.B.A. history to score 10,000 career points during a game against the Atlanta Dream. Taurasi achieved this feat with a deep 3-pointer, ending the game with 42 points, her first 40-point game since 2010 and the fourth of her career.
Reflecting on her achievement, the 41-year-old Taurasi humorously mentioned, “Tomorrow I’ll feel like I’m 50.” She expressed relief at surpassing the milestone while managing the pressure to perform and win the game.
Although the rise of 40-point games has captured attention in the W.N.B.A., the highly elusive 50-point game remains a rare occurrence. Only Liz Cambage and Riquna Williams have achieved this feat, with Cambage scoring 53 points in 2018 and Williams recording 51 points in 2013. Other players such as Taurasi, Lauren Jackson, and Maya Moore have come close but fell short by just a few points.
Nonetheless, this season has proven that there are numerous players with the potential to reach the 50-point milestone once again. The excitement and anticipation surrounding these high-scoring performances continue to grow within the league.
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