Liz Cambage: A Career Defined by Power and Record-Breaking Performance
In the world of professional basketball, few players possess the physical presence and scoring ability of Liz Cambage. Playing the center position—the role typically reserved for the tallest players to defend the basket and rebound—Cambage emerged early as a generational talent. By 2009, her performance in the Under-20 Australian National Championships led the ABC to suggest she could be the successor to basketball legend Lauren Jackson.
At the start of her rise, Cambage was among the tallest international players in the game, surpassed only by Margo Dydek (2.18 m) and Sue Geh (2.05 m). This height advantage, combined with her skill set, paved the way for a global career spanning Australia, the United States, China, and Israel.
Key Facts
- WNBA Record: Scored a then-record 53 points in a single game on July 17, 2018.
- League Leadership: Led the WNBA in scoring during the 2018 season.
- Global Reach: Has played professionally in the WNBL (Australia), WNBA (USA), WCBA (China), and in Israel.
- Recent Success: Helped Sichuan Yuanda win the WCBA championship in 2024.
Early Career and the WNBL
Cambage began her journey with the Dandenong Rangers, joining their Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) team for the 2007–08 season. Her potential was quickly recognized when she accepted a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), playing for the Canberra-based AIS team for the remainder of that season and the following one.
After years of competing abroad, Cambage returned to the WNBL in August 2020, signing with the Southside Flyers for the 2020–21 season.
The WNBA Journey: Triumphs and Transitions
Cambage's entry into the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) was marked by early friction. Drafted by the Tulsa Shock in 2011, she expressed reluctance to play for the franchise, stating her goal was to learn and improve her game rather than simply being a "franchise player." Despite this, she participated in the 2011 WNBA All-Star Game.
Her tenure with Tulsa was intermittent. In August 2012, she declined to return for the end of the season due to exhaustion following national team duties. After returning for the 2013 season, she stepped away from the WNBA for five years.
The Record-Breaking Return
Cambage returned to the WNBA in February 2018 by signing a multi-year contract with the Dallas Wings. This period marked the pinnacle of her individual scoring. On July 17, 2018, she scored 53 points against the New York Liberty, setting a WNBA record (later tied by A'ja Wilson). She followed this with 35 points against the Washington Mystics, establishing the highest two-game point total in league history.
By the end of 2018, Cambage led the league in scoring. However, she requested a trade in January 2019 and was subsequently moved to the Las Vegas Aces in May 2019. With the Aces, she earned her third All-Star appearance and helped the team reach the semifinals before falling to the Washington Mystics.
Final WNBA Chapters
Cambage missed the 2020 season due to health concerns and COVID-19 risk factors. Upon her return, she faced a public dispute with Connecticut Sun coach Curt Miller, who referred to her as "300 pounds" during a game; Cambage responded via Instagram, calling him a "little white man." After a brief stint with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2022, she requested her release in July and announced her departure from the WNBA in August 2022.
International Play: China and Israel
Beyond the US, Cambage has been a dominant force in the Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA). In 2012, she signed with Zheijang Chouzhou for a reported AU$ 400,000. However, her time in China was not without struggle; in 2019, she revealed she had not been paid since September 2018 following an injury, leaving her unable to meet mortgage payments.
In March 2023, Cambage expanded her international portfolio by signing with Maccabi Bnot Ashdod in Israel. Most recently, she returned to the WCBA in 2024 with Sichuan. She averaged 23.1 points and 11.3 rebounds over 18 games, leading the team to a WCBA championship and re-signing for the 2024–2025 season.
Career Summary Table
| League/Region | Notable Teams | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| WNBL (Australia) | Dandenong Rangers, AIS, Southside Flyers | Early career development and 2020 return |
| WNBA (USA) | Tulsa Shock, Dallas Wings, Las Vegas Aces, LA Sparks | Single-game scoring record (53 points) |
| WCBA (China) | Zheijang Chouzhou, Sichuan | 2024 WCBA Championship |
| Israel | Maccabi Bnot Ashdod | First appearance in Israeli league (2023) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Liz Cambage's highest scoring game in the WNBA?
Liz Cambage scored a record 53 points in a game against the New York Liberty on July 17, 2018, while playing for the Dallas Wings.
Which teams has Liz Cambage played for in the WNBA?
She has played for the Tulsa Shock, Dallas Wings, Las Vegas Aces, and the Los Angeles Sparks.
Has Liz Cambage won a championship in China?
Yes, she helped Sichuan win the WCBA championship in 2024, averaging 23.1 points and 11.3 rebounds per game.
Why did Liz Cambage miss the 2020 WNBA season?
She sat out the 2020 season due to health concerns and pre-existing risk factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When did Liz Cambage leave the WNBA?
After being released by the Los Angeles Sparks in July 2022, she announced she was stepping away from the WNBA on August 15, 2022.