Key Record at a Glance
The most 3-pointers in a single WNBA game by one player is held by Katie Lou Samuelson, who made 10 three-pointers on July 18, 2021, while playing for the Chicago Sky. This performance occurred in a regular-season game against the Phoenix Mercury and is widely recognized as the individual record in WNBA history. No other player has publicly documented more than 10 makes in a game under standard 10-minute quarters.
Three-Point Shooting Fundamentals in the WNBA
A three-pointer is any field goal attempt released when the shooter has both feet outside the three-point arc. Points count the same whether the shot is taken close to the line or from deeper, but release point and foot placement determine legality. Shot distance has increased league-wide due to spacing, pace, and rule changes that reward perimeter shooting. Teams run sets specifically to generate clean looks beyond the arc, and players train for high-volume, high-efficiency three-point shooting as a core skill.
Rules and Mechanics
- Feet must be entirely behind the line at the time of release.
- Interference rules (goaltending and basket interference) apply the same as for two-pointers.
- Shots released before stepping on or over the line count as three-pointers if the feet were behind at release.
Notable Single-Game Performances
Several players have approached the record with 9 or 10 makes, often in high-tempo offenses or playoff settings. Multiple factors affect these totals, including pace of play, defensive pressure, usage share, and shot selection. Teams sometimes design early-clock actions to free shooters for catch-and-threes, while late-game scenarios can produce isolation looks from beyond the arc.
Performance Table: Notable High-Volume 3-Point Games
| Player | 3-Pointers Made | 3-Pointers Attempted | Date | Team | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Katie Lou Samuelson | 10 | 23 | July 18, 2021 | Chicago Sky | @ Phoenix Mercury |
| Chelsea Newton | 9 | 21 | July 18, 2007 | Sacramento Monarchs | @ Detroit Shock |
| Megan Walker | 9 | 18 | June 22, 2022 | Chicago Sky | Washington Mystics |
| Epiphanny Prince | 9 | 19 | July 15, 2011 | New York Liberty | @ Connecticut Sun |
| Riquna Williams | 9 | July 23, 2016 | Los Angeles Sparks | Phoenix Mercury |
League Trends in Three-Point Volume
WNBA teams attempt more three-pointers today than in earlier decades, driven by analytics, improved shooting skill, and faster offensive tempos. The league average for three-point attempts per game has risen steadily, and spacing rules have created more driving lanes that often kick the ball back out to perimeter shooters. Some seasons show a measurable increase in high-volume games, with multiple players reaching double-digit makes in the same year.
Team Three-Point Records
Team performances are typically measured by attempts rather than makes, since make totals fluctuate with defense and shot quality. High-attempt games often coincide with run-and-gun offense and limited offensive rebounding. Context such as pace, opponent strength, and playoff intensity helps explain spikes in team and individual three-point volume.
Factors That Influence Three-Point Volume
Coaching schemes, personnel, and in-game situations shape how often a player or team takes threes. Small-ball lineups, off-ball screens, and quick-hall passes are common ways to generate open looks. Usage share matters: players who handle the ball more and score inside can draw defenders and create kick-out opportunities. Fatigue and defensive attention late in games can either increase perimeter reliance or reduce clean looks, depending on the matchup.
Contributing Factors at a Glance
- Pace of play: Faster games create more possessions and potential three-point chances.
- Spacing: Better floor spacing reduces help defense and improves catch-and-shoot opportunities.
- Usage share: Higher usage can produce more isolation and late-clock looks beyond the arc.
- Defensive focus: Double-teams and help defenders can open secondary shooters.
- Rule interpretations: Consistent no-hand-check enforcement aids drivers and pull-up shooters.
Records and Context Across Eras
When comparing performances across different eras, consider rule changes, equipment, and competition level. Shot clocks, three-point line distances, and defensive rules have evolved, but the WNBA three-point line has remained consistent in recent decades. Training methods and sports science have improved shooting mechanics and repeatability, which supports sustained high-volume shooting over a career.
Historical Perspective Table
| Era/Age | Typical Pace | Three-Point Emphasis | Representative Shooter Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early 2000s | Lower average possessions | Limited as primary weapon | 初期 development years |
| 2010s | Moderate increase in pace | Strategic tool, situational | Emergence of specialist shooters |
| 2020s | Higher pace and spacing | Core offensive strategy | Katie Lou Samuelson and peers |
Advanced Perspective on Three-Point Efficiency
High volume does not guarantee high efficiency; context such as shot location, defender proximity, and game situation affects value. Teams analyze make percentage, expected points per shot, and off-ball movement to balance volume with selectivity. Shot charts and tracking data help identify optimal areas on the floor, and players refine releases to maintain accuracy under pressure.