Nneka Ogwumike has added another milestone to her career, moving past Tamika Catchings to become the fifth all-time leading scorer in WNBA history.
The Los Angeles Sparks forward reached the mark while scoring 12 points as the Sparks beat the Phoenix Mercury 97-88 on the road.
Advertisement
Any remaining questions around Ogwumike’s status as an all-time great can now be put to rest. Her place in the history books is no longer just a matter of opinion, it is a fact.
Nneka Ogwumike has built a career that belongs in rare company
Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Ogwumike now has 7,383 regular-season points, putting her in fifth place on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list.
That is significant not just because of the number, but because of who she passed. Catchings finished with 7,380 points and remains one of the most complete players in league history.
Catchings was also a champion, MVP and five-time Defensive Player of the Year. Overtaking her is not just a statistical achievement, it is a legacy moment.
Advertisement
Ogwumike’s career stands up in its own right. She is a WNBA champion, MVP and Rookie of the Year, and one of the most consistent forwards of her generation.
The Sparks forward is still adding to her case
Ogwumike is back with the Sparks after two seasons in Seattle, and she is still contributing to team success while hitting these individual milestones.
Her influence goes beyond the court too. She is a 10-time All-Star and has served as WNBPA president since 2016.
There is another milestone within reach. Tina Thompson holds fourth place with 7,488 points, just 105 ahead of Ogwumike.
Passing Catchings does not define Ogwumike’s legacy, but it does underline what has been clear for years: her place among the game’s greats is secure.
Advertisement
Read more:
