Lighting Up the Court with Record-Setting Debut: Kelsey Plum's Epic Sparks Start
Kelsey Plum sets a new WNBA record in her initial game with the Sparks against the Valkyries.
Surging into the ninth season of her illustrious WNBA career, Kelsey Plum connected with fellow pros Dearica Hamby and rising talents Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink on the Los Angeles Sparks roster. The Sparks, striving for a resurgence following a dismal 2024 campaign that saw just eight victories, appeared ripe for a transformation.
Plum, the three-time All-Star, couldn't hide her excitement for the fresh start. And truth be told, a scenic shift has sparked a rejuvenation in the 30-year-old guard. In her electrifying regular-season debut for the Sparks, an emphatic 84-67 triumph over the Golden State Valkyries, Plum immolated the net, scoring a blazing 37 points on 11-for-19 shooting from the field (4-for-6 from long range, 11-for-11 from the charity stripe) to steer the team to a triumphant victory.
In doing so, the decorated two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time WNBA All-Star etched her name in history. According to our esteemed sports data platform on X, Plum, in scoring 37 points in her Sparks debut, obliterated the record previously held by Napheesa Collier who dropped 34 points in the Minnesota Lynx's 99-84 victory over the Dallas Wings. Plum broke a tie Maya Moore, Candace Parker, and Katie Smith held by surpassing their tallies.
Despite an unpredictable 2024 season where Plum and the Aces struggled to capture their third straight WNBA championship, her shooting became a rollercoaster ride. A 50% or better game from the field proved elusive, and she didn't eclipse the 30-point mark more than once the entire season. Stumbling blocks predominated in the playoffs as well.
But all signs now point towards Plum, together with the Sparks organization, moving on from rough waters.
Kelsey Plum Shines Brighter Than Ever
Lending no time to warm up, Kelsey Plum notched her first official basket for the Sparks. As the accolades continue pouring in for the relentless guard, expect her to prove that this performance is a glimpse of a promising season ahead.
Plum's electrifying display drew praise from all corners, and she acknowledged the vital influence of her former teammate, A'ja Wilson, in honing her dynamic skill set. "I was picture-perfect ready for this moment," Plum told the official WNBA account on X, beaming with exhilaration. "A lot to work on, but the whole experience was super fun."
References
- Los Angeles Sparks. (2024). Kelsey Plum sets WNBA debut scoring record in victory over Golden State. Sparks News Network. Retrieved from https://www.sparksnews.com/article/wnba-kelsey-plum-breaks-scoring-record
- Associated Press. (2024). Kelsey Plum breaks scoring record in Los Angeles Sparks debut. ESPN News. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/34586865/kelsey-plum-breaks-wnba-scoring-record-debut-leading-la-sparks-victory-golden-state-valkyries
In the thrilling opening game of the WNBA season, Kelsey Plum, the three-time All-Star, shattered the previous WNBA debut scoring record, scoring 37 points for the Los Angeles Sparks in their victory over the Golden State Valkyries. This record-breaking performance marked a fresh start for Plum and the Sparks as they aim to leave their struggle in the 2024 playoffs behind and strive for a championship run in the upcoming playoffs.
With her electrifying display on the court, Kelsey Plum further established herself as one of the WNBA's premier talents, demonstrating a promising season ahead with the Sparks organization.
