Liz Cambage Remains WNBA Scoring Record Holder Despite Recent Media Reports
Liz Cambage continues to hold the official WNBA single-game scoring record with 53 points, a mark she set while playing for the Dallas Wings against the New York Liberty on July 17, 2018. Recent media reports incorrectly suggested that other players had matched or broken this record; however, official WNBA league statistics confirm that no player has surpassed or equaled Cambage’s 53-point performance in the 28-year history of the league.
Clarifying the WNBA Single-Game Scoring Record
The confusion regarding the single-game scoring record stems from recent social media trends and unverified reports misidentifying player statistics. According to official WNBA historical records, the 53-point game remains the highest individual total in a single contest. A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces holds the second-highest mark, having scored 59 points in an overtime game against the Atlanta Dream on September 17, 2024. While Wilson’s 59 points set a new league record for points in a single game, the distinction between regulation and overtime records often leads to public confusion during statistical tracking.
How A’ja Wilson Surpassed the Historical Mark
On September 17, 2024, A’ja Wilson became the first player in WNBA history to reach 59 points in a single game, officially moving past Liz Cambage’s previous record of 53 points. According to ESPN reporting, Wilson achieved this milestone in a 112-101 victory over the Atlanta Dream. The performance was notable not only for the record-breaking total but also for the efficiency with which Wilson scored, shooting 16-of-29 from the field and 20-of-21 from the free-throw line.
Comparison of Top WNBA Scoring Performances
The following table outlines the highest single-game scoring performances in WNBA history based on verified league statistics:
| Player | Points | Date | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| A’ja Wilson | 59 | Sept 17, 2024 | Las Vegas Aces |
| Liz Cambage | 53 | July 17, 2018 | Dallas Wings |
| Riquna Williams | 51 | Sept 8, 2013 | Tulsa Shock |
Why Accuracy Matters in Sports Analytics
The rapid circulation of misinformation regarding player records highlights the challenges of real-time sports reporting. Because WNBA games involve complex statistical tracking—including distinctions between regular season, postseason, and overtime play—fans often rely on aggregated data that may lack context. Official league records are maintained by the WNBA Communications Department, which serves as the primary authority for all historical benchmarks. As the league continues to see an influx of high-scoring games, the gap between viral social media claims and verified box scores remains a critical area for sports journalists to monitor.
Key Takeaways
- Current Record Holder: A’ja Wilson holds the WNBA record with 59 points scored in a single game.
- Previous Record: Liz Cambage held the record at 53 points from 2018 until September 2024.
- Verification Source: Official WNBA league statistics are the only accurate source for historical scoring benchmarks.
- Statistical Context: Scoring records include points accumulated throughout the duration of the game, including overtime periods.
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