Indiana Fever’s sharp-shooter Kelsey Mitchell is the player who established a remarkable 3-point shooting record, not Caitlin Clark, who is still in college basketball at Iowa. Mitchell’s achievement stands out in the WNBA, as she continues to build a reputation as one of the league’s deadliest shooters from beyond the arc.
### Kelsey Mitchell: A Star Shooter
Drafted second overall by the Indiana Fever in 2018, Kelsey Mitchell quickly became a central piece of the team’s offensive strategy. Before entering the WNBA, she was already making waves in college basketball, playing for Ohio State. There, Mitchell set the all-time NCAA record for three-pointers made in a career, with a staggering 497 threes over her four-year tenure, breaking both the men’s and women’s records.
Her smooth stroke and ability to hit threes from deep range transitioned well into the WNBA. Mitchell’s versatility and consistency make her a constant threat, especially in an era where the three-point shot has gained significant importance in basketball strategy.
### Breaking the Fever’s 3-Point Record
In the 2023 WNBA season, Mitchell established herself as the Indiana Fever’s all-time leader in made three-pointers. As of July 2023, she had made more than 300 three-pointers in her WNBA career, surpassing the franchise record previously held by Katie Douglas, another Fever legend and long-time sharpshooter. Mitchell accomplished this feat in just five seasons, highlighting her prolific scoring ability.
Her ability to consistently knock down threes helps open up the floor for the Fever’s offense. Opposing teams often have to adjust their defensive strategies to account for her shooting, which in turn benefits her teammates by creating space and opportunities.
### Importance of the 3-Point Shot in Today’s WNBA
The WNBA, much like the NBA, has evolved to prioritize three-point shooting. Teams are focusing more on spacing the floor and using long-range shots to boost their scoring output. Kelsey Mitchell’s skill set fits perfectly within this trend, as she combines speed, shooting accuracy, and an elite ability to get open for three-point shots. Her shooting stretches defenses and forces opponents to guard her tightly, even far from the basket.
While other players in the league are known for their long-range abilities, such as Diana Taurasi and Allie Quigley, Mitchell has already carved out her space in this elite group. The fact that she broke a franchise record for threes made early in her career speaks volumes about her potential for further greatness.
### Leadership and Legacy with Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever have been rebuilding in recent years, and Kelsey Mitchell has emerged as a leader in this process. Her ability to shoot from long-range isn’t just about racking up individual statistics—it also helps in guiding a younger team by setting a standard of excellence. Mitchell’s work ethic and consistency in making threes help define the Fever’s offensive identity.
Despite the Fever’s struggles in recent seasons, Mitchell’s presence is a reason for optimism. As she continues to break records, she is positioning herself as one of the key figures in the franchise’s future. Her shooting abilities, combined with leadership and experience, provide a strong foundation for the team’s growth.
### Conclusion
Kelsey Mitchell’s record-setting three-point shooting is a testament to her talent, hard work, and importance to the Indiana Fever franchise. Her impact goes beyond just the numbers; it’s about what her long-range shooting brings to the team as a whole. As she continues to evolve her game, Mitchell’s legacy as one of the WNBA’s elite shooters will only grow, placing her among the best long-range shooters in the history of the league.
