A Historic Night at Chase Center

SAN FRANCISCO — The atmosphere was electric as 18,064 fans in vibrant violet shirts filled the Chase Center, turning the Golden State Valkyries' season opener into the second-largest home debut in WNBA history. But the night belonged to Kelsey Plum, who made an unforgettable entrance in her first game with the Los Angeles Sparks.

Record-Breaking Performance

Plum lit up the court, scoring a staggering 37 points — the highest ever in a Sparks debut and the best in a WNBA season opener. With six assists and five steals, she became the first player in league history to achieve at least 35 points, five assists, and five steals in a single game.

"The mentality for me tonight was really just come out and have fun," said Plum, who dazzled fans with an 11-for-19 shooting performance and went a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line.

The Sparks' New Star

Having previously played alongside superstars like three-time MVP A'ja Wilson with the Las Vegas Aces, Plum quickly stepped into her new role as the Sparks’ primary offensive weapon. The team desperately needed a scoring boost and a reliable distributor, particularly to aid players like Dearica Hamby.

Plum reflected on her time spent learning alongside A'ja, noting, "I've been trying to be intentional about when to be aggressive and when to hold back. I’ll keep improving on that balance."

A Targeted Offseason

Focused and determined, Plum spent her offseason honing her strength and conditioning, preparing to handle the full 40 minutes at game pace. Her hard work paid off as she showcased her ability to play through contact, a feat that impressed her coach.

"That is the Kelsey I am used to," said Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase. "She’s not afraid to attack the paint. Whether it's for a layup or a step-back three, she’s dynamic."

A New Challenge Ahead

The Sparks kicked off the second half with a 20-8 run, propelling them to a 15-point lead, largely thanks to Plum's 15 points during that stretch. However, the Valkyries fought back with three consecutive three-pointers from Julie Vanloo, narrowing the gap by the end of the third quarter.

Plum acknowledged the need for further adjustment within the team’s offensive strategies, admitting, "This is a new offense for everyone, so we’ve got to be patient to find our rhythm. We’ll improve on timing and getting open looks as we go along."

Defensive Domination in the Fourth Quarter

The fourth quarter slowed down, but it was the Sparks’ defense that shone, stifling the Valkyries to just seven points. It was a testament to their composure under pressure.

Sparks coach Lynne Roberts praised her team's resilience: "I’m incredibly proud of their ability to respond without panicking. Winning on the road takes mental toughness, and we showed that tonight."

What’s Next for Kelsey Plum and the Sparks?

With this record-breaking performance, Kelsey Plum has firmly established herself as a pivotal player for the Sparks. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how she continues to evolve and lead her new team to championship contention.