Kelsey Plum's remarkable debut for the Los Angeles Sparks, with insightful comments from their coach on the Valkyries sideline.
Kelsey Plum Shines in Stunning Debut for the Sparks in Opener Against Valkyries
In a highly anticipated season opener, Kelsey Plum lit up the court in Thursday's game between the Los Angeles Sparks and Golden State Valkyries. Plum's mesmerizing performance left Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase absolutely thrilled.
Plum dazzled in 40 minutes of play, ending the night with an awe-inspiring stat line of 37 points, six assists, five steals, and two rebounds. Showing her versatility, she nailed 11 out of 19 shots from the field, and had a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line – not to mention her impressive 4-for-6 from beyond the arc.
The night marked Plum's debut for the Sparks after representing the Las Vegas Aces for seven seasons. Nakase, who previously served as an Aces assistant from 2022 to 2024, couldn't help but heap praise on her former player.
"That's the Kelsey I am used to," said Nakase. "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 Valkyries Face Challenges After Slippery Defeat to Sparks
The Valkyries may have received a lot of attention for their inaugural game, but Plum's explosive display for the Sparks left them empty-handed. Despite keeping the score close with Los Angeles throughout most of the game, the Valkyries couldn't keep up in the fourth quarter, eventually losing 77-67.
Three Valkyries players scored in double-digits, with Tiffany Hayes leading the pack with 19 points. Megan Walker and Julie Vanloo followed closely with 15 and 14 points, respectively. Despite the loss, the Valkyries can still look forward to their upcoming game on May 21, when they host their second home game against the Washington Mystics at 10 p.m. ET.
Getting the Inside Scoop on Valkyries' Upcoming Matches
Now that you're up to speed with the Valkyries' opening game, let's talk about their upcoming matches. Although specific details for their post-Sparks schedule aren't readily available, fear not! The full 2025 WNBA season schedule can be found on ESPN or the Golden State Valkyries official website[1][3][4].
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about future games, be sure to check the official WNBA or Golden State Valkyries websites regularly. They'll have all the essential details, such as game dates, times, and opponents.
In the meantime, here's a quick guide to finding the schedule:
- Visit the Official Website: Head over to valkyries.wnba.com for team-specific information.
- Check ESPN: Drop by ESPN's WNBA page for a broader coverage of the Golden State Valkyries and other teams[1].
- Stay Informed: Keep a close eye on the team's social media or official news releases for the latest information on upcoming games.
The Valkyries, despite a promising start against the Los Angeles Sparks, faced challenges in the fourth quarter and ended up losing 77-67 in their inaugural game, leaving them empty-handed against the WNBA's basketball powerhouse. As they prepare for their upcoming match against the Washington Mystics on May 21, fans can find the schedule on the Golden State Valkyries official website or ESPN for a comprehensive list of the 2025 WNBA season matches.
