Most points in a WNBA game: Where Paige Bueckers' 44-point showing ranks on all-time list

In basketball, nothing bats a hot hand.

Across all levels of the sport, elite scorers enter a different zone and put forth otherworldly performances that are difficult for their peers to match. In the WNBA, the list of players to deliver those types of performances reads like a who’s who of all-time greats and unique talents.

When the W's stars get into a zone, they fill it up quickly, often ripping the nets and rewriting the history books.

Here is a list of the WNBA's single-game scoring performances that stand above the rest.

MORE: Wilt Chamberlain heads list of top single-game scoring performances in NBA history

Most points in a WNBA game

A’ja Wilson and Liz Cambage share the WNBA’s single-game scoring record with 53 points. Wilson most recently matched the mark in 2023.

A'ja Wilson, 53 points (Aug. 22, 2023)

Wilson often saves her best for games played in Atlanta, the closest WNBA city to her hometown of Columbia, S.C.

In 2023, Wilson went off for 53 points (on 16-of-23 shooting) to lead the Aces to a 112-100 win over the Dream. In addition to her tidy shooting from the field, Wilson shot 20-of-21 from the line to tie the league's record.

Liz Cambage, 53 points (July 17, 2018)

During her time with the Wings, Cambage rewrote history in a 17-point win over the Liberty.

The 6-foot-8 center did her damage from everywhere, shooting 17-of-22 from the field, including 4-of-5 from 3-point range. She also made 15 of her 16 free throw attempts and, for good measure, pulled down 10 boards to make it a double-double.

Riquna Williams, 51 points (Sept. 8, 2013)

Williams became the first player in league history to surpass the 50-point plateau, doing so as a member of the Tulsa Shock in 2013.

The former second-round pick was in her second WNBA season and caught fire from deep, going 8-of-14 from 3-point range en route to a 51-point outing in a blowout win over San Antonio.

Maya Moore, 48 points (July 22, 2014)

Moore's career night came in a double-overtime marathon with the Dream. The Lynx superstar finished with 48 points in a 112-108 win, setting a franchise record in the process.

In 46 minutes of action, Moore shot 16-of-30 from the field, including 7-of-9 from distance. She also shot 9-of-11 from the free-throw line, pulled down 10 rebounds and dished out four assists.

Lauren Jackson, 47 points (July 24, 2007)

Jackson holds the semi-unfortunate record for most points in a loss, as her 47 points weren't enough in the Storm's 97-96 overtime loss to the Mystics in 2007.

Despite the loss, Jackson's 47 points came on efficient 18-of-28 shooting from the field and 9-of-11 from the free-throw line. She also pulled down 14 boards, doing it all in 42 minutes on the court.

Diana Taurasi, 47 points (Aug. 10, 2006)

In just her third WNBA season, Taurasi's 47 points helped the Mercury outlast the Comets in a triple-overtime thriller.

Taurasi shot 17-of-33 from the field and 8-of-16 from 3-point range, also pulling down six rebounds and dishing out nine assists before fouling out in 44 minutes. Phoenix still held on for a 111-110 win with Taurasi on the bench. 

MORE: Where Paige Bueckers ranks among Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, and other UConn legends

Most points by a rookie in a WNBA game

Bueckers shares the single-game record for most points by a WNBA rookie with Cynthia Cooper, who scored 44 points in the 15th game of the inaugural WNBA season. Only three rookies have scored 40-plus in a WNBA game, while 11 different rookies have scored 35 or more points in a WNBA game.