Indiana Fever faced a tough loss against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on Wednesday night, yet the spotlight was on Kelsey Mitchell, who made history by setting a new franchise record for the most three-pointers made. In the first quarter, Mitchell sank her 607th career three-pointer, surpassing the legendary Tamika Catchings’ record. This milestone also placed Mitchell 11th on the WNBA’s all-time list for three-pointers, as confirmed by the Fever’s official site.
Although the Fever lost 98-77, Mitchell’s achievement was made even more special by a heartfelt congratulatory message from Catchings, shared in a video posted by the Fever on X (formerly Twitter). Catchings praised Mitchell, encouraging her to keep breaking records, reminding her that records are meant to be surpassed, and that she was proud of her accomplishment.
Mitchell, drafted in the first round of the 2018 WNBA Draft shortly after A’ja Wilson, has spent her entire career with the Fever and earned three All-Star selections, including this season. During the game against the Liberty, she led her team with 16 points, shooting 5 of 11 from the field, a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc, and 4-for-5 from the free-throw line, along with two rebounds in 27 minutes. On the opposing side, the Liberty had a balanced attack with five players scoring 10 or more points, highlighted by Brenna Stewart’s double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds.
With Caitlin Clark sidelined due to a groin injury, the Fever struggled to match the Liberty’s offensive power. The WNBA will pause for the All-Star break, with the Fever set to face the Liberty again next Wednesday at Barclays Center.
Fan Take: Kelsey Mitchell’s record-breaking achievement is not only a remarkable personal milestone but also a powerful moment for WNBA fans, showcasing the league’s growing talent and competitive spirit. This milestone energizes the sport, inspiring young athletes and boosting the visibility and excitement around women’s basketball.
