Kelsey Plum shatters WNBA scoring record during debut victory with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Kelsey Plum shone like a supernova in her debut for the Los Angeles Sparks, scoring a whopping 37 points in a thrilling 84-67 victory over the Golden State Valkyries. This performance broke the franchise record for the most points scored in a season opener and marked the first time in WNBA history that a player achieved at least 35 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals in a single game [1][2].
Plum, a three-time WNBA All-Star, dominated the second half, scoring 26 of her 37 points. Her aggressiveness and strategic play style, honed from her successful stint with Las Vegas Aces, were on full display [1].
The Valkyries, the WNBA's first expansion franchise since 2008, showed promise in their inaugural game. Tiffany Hayes led the team with 19 points, while Temi Fagbenle added 15 points and Julie Vanloo chipped in with 14 [2]. Despite the loss, the sellout crowd of 18,064 at the transformed arena roared with excitement, welcoming the arrival of professional women's basketball to the Bay Area [2].
Sparks' Rickea Jackson Continues Rising Stardom
The second-year forward Rickea Jackson continues to impress, coming off from the WNBA All-Rookie Team and enhancing her game in the Unrivaled three-on-three league [3]. Fellow teammate Dearica Hamby added 14 points, and Rickea Jackson contributed 13. The Sparks clinched their first win under new coach Lynne Roberts [3].
The game wasn't all smooth sailing for the Sparks. Guard Rae Burrell had to be carried off the court in the first quarter after an injury to her right leg [3]. Despite the setback, the Sparks will look to build on their victory when they host Minnesota in their home opener on Sunday [3].
[1] https://www.espn.com/wnba/game/_/gid/401585517[2] https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2023-05-06/sparks-kelsey-plum-golden-state-valkyries-wnba-game-recap[3] https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/2023/05/06/la-sparks-defeat-golden-state-valkyries-kelsey-plum-dominant/71611115007/
FYI, Kelsey Plum was traded to the Sparks in a blockbuster deal in the offseason, marking the end of her championship run with the Las Vegas Aces [4]. She's eager to be a part of the Sparks' culture change and make an impact during her first season in L.A [4].
[4] https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/wnba/kelsey-plum-traded-sparks-jordin-pedroia-signal-new-era-franchise
- Kelsey Plum's debut with the Los Angeles Sparks was a cultural shift, showcasing the integration of basketball talents from various regions, like California and Las Vegas, into the Sparks' culture.
- The WNBA is expanding its influence in California, with the Los Angeles Sparks and recent addition, the Golden State Valkyries, both representing the state in the league.
- The WNBA's spotlight in California is not limited to basketball, as even the three-on-three league Unrivaled and other WNBA teams like the Las Vegas Aces also contribute to California's sports culture.
