SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Valkyries season opened with an attendance of 18,064 fans at the Chase Center, marking the second-highest attended home debut in WNBA history. In this exciting match, Kelsey Plum, in her first game with the Los Angeles Sparks jersey, left an indelible mark.
Plum shined with 37 points, setting a record for a Sparks player in her debut and the most points for any player in a WNBA season opener. Her six assists and five steals also made her the first WNBA player to achieve a game with at least 35 points, five assists, and five steals.
The mindset for me tonight was just to go out and have fun. I love basketball. I love playing basketball. Just competing, and we have a great group.
Kelsey Plum
Throughout her career, Plum has played alongside great offensive figures, such as A’ja Wilson, during her six-season stint with the Las Vegas Aces. However, upon arriving in Los Angeles, Plum instantly became the team’s main figure.
The Sparks hoped Plum would revitalize a stagnant offense that had caused them problems the previous season. They needed consistent scoring and a point guard who could connect with key players like Dearica Hamby.
I’ve spent a lot of time learning, particularly from A’ja. Observing how she chooses her positions and being intentional about when to be aggressive and when not to be. I don’t think I’ve done a tremendous job balancing, but I’ll keep improving.
Kelsey Plum
Plum dedicated the preseason to physically strengthening himself in the gym. His goal was to play all 40 minutes with rhythm and withstand contact, something he achieved on Friday night.
That’s the Kelsey I’m used to. She could go left, something we talked about… but she’s not afraid. She wants to get into the paint. If not, she wants an and-1. If not, she’s playing with two feet, or she’s doing a step-back 3. That’s the Kelsey I know.
Natalie Nakase, Valkyries coach
Los Angeles inició el tercer cuarto con un parcial de 20-8, impulsado por 15 puntos de Plum, lo que les dio una ventaja de 15 puntos. Sin embargo, tres triples consecutivos de Julie Vanloo, de las Valkyries, redujeron la ventaja a seis puntos al final del cuarto.
During that stretch, the Sparks’ offense hurried and became “disorganized,” according to Plum, who highlighted that there is still room for improvement.
This is a new offense for everyone, so we have to be patient. We still have to find our rhythm with that… We’re going to improve our timing and positioning, opening up. Me, getting the ball to the post players on time and being efficient with that. That will get better with time, but we have a great group of athletes.
Kelsey Plum
The final quarter was less frenetic, but L.A. managed to take control through its defense, limiting Golden State to just seven points.
I am incredibly proud of this team’s ability to take a punch and not freak out. Especially winning away from home, you have to have that mentality… We answered the call. That shows mental toughness.
Lynne Roberts, Sparks coach
Plum was one of four Sparks players to score in double figures, along with Hamby’s 14 points, Rickea Jackson’s 13, and Azura Stevens’ 11.
