Kelsey Plum Offers Unusual Explanation for WNBA’s Strange Decline in Three-Point Shooting Accuracy

In recent weeks, a curious trend has emerged across the WNBA—a noticeable dip in three-point shooting accuracy by some of the league’s brightest stars. Among the players catching attention for this unexpected slump is Caitlin Clark, the sharpshooter known for her deep range and clutch shooting. Clark, who boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 33.5%, has shockingly converted only one of 23 attempts over her last three games, sparking widespread discussion among fans, analysts, and players alike.

The trend, however, is not limited to Clark. Several other elite WNBA shooters, including Sabrina Ionescu, Marina Mabrey, Paige Bueckers, and notably, Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks, have also struggled to find their usual three-point rhythm. The drop in shooting efficiency has left fans puzzled and analysts searching for explanations.

One notable voice weighing in on this phenomenon is basketball analyst Trysta Krick. On her popular Instagram page, Krick laid out detailed observations of the difficulties WNBA players have been facing from beyond the arc recently. She pointed to a handful of elite players, highlighting their unusually low shooting percentages, and called attention to the broader trend impacting the league.

Kelsey Plum, a prolific three-point shooter herself, responded to the conversation with a surprising, candid explanation. Addressing the topic on social media, Plum humorously suggested that the cause of the shooting woes might simply be that players are “tired,” accompanied by a laughing emoji. While the remark was light-hearted, it nevertheless struck a chord in the conversation, blending humor with a genuine reflection on the demands placed on athletes.

The Numbers Behind the Decline

Looking at the statistics, the WNBA’s three-point shooting percentage has indeed seen a slight dip. According to Basketball Reference, the league average for three-point shooting in 2025 currently stands at 33.1%. This is a decline from the 33.8% average recorded in 2024 and even further down from 34.7% in 2023.

For context, Kelsey Plum has been one of the league’s premier long-range threats over the years, boasting a career average of 38.6% from beyond the arc. Yet, in 2025, Plum’s three-point percentage has dropped to 34.5%, the lowest she’s recorded in her WNBA career to date. Even the previous season saw a dip compared to her career norm, with Plum shooting 36.8% from three.

While a few percentage points may seem minor to casual observers, in professional basketball, especially at the highest levels, such fluctuations can significantly impact game outcomes and player confidence.

More Than Just a Shooting Slump

Delving deeper than raw numbers, it’s clear that this dip in shooting accuracy could be attributed to a combination of factors. The law of averages naturally implies that even the best shooters will experience occasional slumps. Yet, the consistency and collective nature of this decline suggest that external factors may be at play.

Physical fatigue is one plausible reason. WNBA players endure grueling travel schedules, condensed seasons, and intense physical demands. For elite athletes like Plum and Clark, the cumulative effect of these stresses can affect their shooting mechanics, timing, and overall sharpness.

Mental fatigue may also be a factor. The psychological toll of performing under constant scrutiny, managing expectations, and balancing off-court responsibilities could contribute to lapses in focus and rhythm during critical shooting moments.

Kelsey Plum’s joking reference to “being tired” may, in fact, capture a truth shared by many players—balancing physical and mental fatigue is an ongoing challenge in professional sports.

Kelsey Plum’s Season: Shining Despite Challenges

Despite her shooting struggles, Plum’s overall season performance remains impressive. The Los Angeles Sparks have had a challenging start, with a 5-11 record and a recent four-game losing streak that was snapped by a victory over the Indiana Fever—ironically, a team currently missing Caitlin Clark.

Plum, however, has continued to be a bright spot for the Sparks, averaging a career-high 20.5 points per game this season. Her scoring prowess remains undiminished even if her three-point accuracy has dipped, highlighting her versatility and ability to impact games in multiple ways.

Her contributions go beyond scoring. Plum’s leadership and experience provide invaluable stability for a Sparks team looking to climb back into playoff contention. She continues to draw defensive attention, create opportunities for teammates, and demonstrate resilience amid team struggles.

Broader Implications for the WNBA

The recent slump in three-point shooting percentages, while notable, does not diminish the overall excitement and growth the WNBA is experiencing. The league has been witnessing a surge in popularity, increased media coverage, and record-breaking viewership numbers, fueled in large part by charismatic stars like Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Plum.

Still, the shooting slump serves as a reminder of the challenges professional athletes face, especially in a league undergoing rapid expansion and evolution. It raises important questions about player health, workload management, and support systems designed to sustain peak performance.

Analysts and coaches are surely taking note and likely exploring adjustments in training, recovery protocols, and game strategies to help players regain their shooting form and maintain long-term health.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

Fans have been vocal on social media, sharing reactions that range from concern and curiosity to humor and support. The collective dip in three-point shooting has sparked memes, discussions, and debates about what exactly is behind the phenomenon.

Kelsey Plum’s lighthearted “tired” comment was met with laughs but also empathy, as many recognize the intense demands placed on professional athletes. Discussions also emphasize the unpredictable nature of sports, where even the most skilled players encounter unexpected hurdles.

Looking Ahead: Can the Sharpshooters Bounce Back?

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the league’s top shooters to see how they respond to this shooting slump. Recovery will require adjustments both physically and mentally, and the resilience of players like Plum and Clark will be tested.

Given their proven track records and elite talent, there is every reason to believe these players will find their rhythm again. Fans can look forward to a renewed display of deep shooting that has been a hallmark of the WNBA’s excitement.

Moreover, the ongoing conversation around this shooting slump might lead to innovations in training, wellness, and strategy that benefit players long-term, contributing to the league’s growth and the enhancement of the women’s game.

Summary

In summary, the recent decline in three-point shooting accuracy across the WNBA, highlighted by players like Kelsey Plum and Caitlin Clark, is a surprising but explainable trend. Fatigue—both physical and mental—along with normal statistical variance, likely contribute to the slump. Despite challenges, players are delivering strong performances, and the league continues to thrive and grow.

Kelsey Plum’s candid and humorous take on the situation has brought levity to a complex issue, reminding fans that even the best athletes face hurdles. As the WNBA season continues, the resilience of these elite players will be crucial to overcoming this strange dip and returning to the thrilling, high-level basketball that fans love.