Kelsey Plum Shines in Sparks Debut, Setting New Records
In a thrilling start to the WNBA season, the Golden State Valkyries’ home opener at Chase Center was a spectacle to behold. With 18,064 fans donning violet shirts, the atmosphere was electric, marking the second-highest-attended home debut in WNBA history. But the real story of the night was Kelsey Plum, who made a dazzling debut for the Los Angeles Sparks.
Plum’s performance was nothing short of historic. She scored 37 points, setting a new record for the most points by a Sparks player in their debut and the most by any WNBA player in a season opener. Her impressive stats didn’t stop there; she also recorded six assists and five steals, making her the first WNBA player to achieve at least 35 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals in a single game.
“The mentality for me tonight was really just come out and have fun,” Plum said after the game. “I love basketball. I love to play basketball. Just compete, and we have a great group.” Her shooting was on point, going 11-of-19 from the field and a perfect 11-of-11 from the free throw line.
Throughout her career, Plum has been surrounded by top-tier talent, including three-time MVP A’ja Wilson during her time with the Las Vegas Aces. However, her move to Los Angeles this offseason has positioned her as the team’s primary offensive weapon.
The Sparks were in dire need of a revitalized offense after struggling with scoring consistency last season. Plum’s arrival was seen as a potential solution to these woes, particularly in providing a reliable floor general to complement players like Dearica Hamby.
“I have spent a lot of time learning, particularly from A’ja,” Plum reflected. “Watching her pick her spots and just being intentional about when to be aggressive, when not to be aggressive. I don’t think I did a tremendous job balancing, but I’ll continue to get better.”
Plum dedicated her offseason to improving her strength and conditioning, aiming to maintain her pace and resilience throughout a full 40-minute game. Her efforts paid off, as she demonstrated both on Friday night.
“That is the Kelsey I am used to,” said Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, who previously coached Plum as an assistant with the Aces. “She was able to get downhill to her left, something we talked about … but she’s fearless. She wants to get into the paint. If not, she wants an and-1. If not, she’s playing off two feet, or she’s getting to a step-back 3. That’s the Kelsey that I know.”
The game started with Los Angeles taking a commanding lead, thanks to a 20-8 run powered by 15 points from Plum. However, the Valkyries fought back with three consecutive 3-pointers from Julie Vanloo, narrowing the gap to six points by the end of the third quarter.
During this period, the Sparks’ offense appeared rushed and “disheveled,” as Plum described it, indicating areas for improvement. “This is a new offense for everyone, so we’ve got to be patient,” Plum explained. “We’ve still got to find our rhythm with that. … We’re going to be better at our timing and positioning, getting open. Me getting the ball to post players on time and being efficient with that. That will get better with time, but we’ve got a great group of athletes.”
The fourth quarter saw the Sparks regain control, largely due to their defensive efforts, limiting Golden State to just seven points. “I’m incredibly proud of this team’s ability to take a punch and not freak out,” Sparks coach Lynne Roberts commented. “Especially winning on the road, you have to have that mentality. … We answered the bell. That shows mental toughness.”
- Plum was one of four Sparks players to score in double figures, alongside Hamby’s 14 points, Rickea Jackson‘s 13, and Azura Stevens‘ 11.
As the season progresses, the Sparks will look to build on this strong start, with Plum leading the charge. Her debut performance has set the bar high, and fans are eager to see how she continues to elevate the team’s play.
Originally Written by: Kendra Andrews
