Kelsey Plum made WNBA history on opening night, delivering a 37-point masterpiece in her Los Angeles Sparks debut to lead a 97–88 win over the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. She set a new WNBA record for most points in a season opener and became the first player to record at least 35 points, five assists, and five steals in a single game.

She shot 11-of-19 from the field, 4-of-6 from three-point range, and 11-of-11 at the free-throw line while playing all 40 minutes. Her 37 points also marked the highest-scoring debut in Sparks history.

“The mentality for me tonight was really just come out and have fun,” Plum said. “I love basketball. I love to play basketball. Just compete, and we have a great group.”

After seven seasons with the Las Vegas Aces (first in San Antonio), where she played alongside MVPs and championship talent, Plum arrived in Los Angeles tasked with leading a franchise coming off an 8–32 season. She immediately embraced her role as the Sparks’ primary offensive engine.

“I have spent a lot of time learning, particularly from A’ja,” Plum said. “Watching her pick her spots and just being intentional about when to be aggressive, when not to be aggressive. I don’t think I did a tremendous job balancing, but I’ll continue to get better. I just appreciate my teammates always looking for me, finding me. The floor was super spaced tonight which allowed me to get downhill and just try to get out in transition and do what I do best.”

Plum scored 26 of her 37 points in the second half, including 17 in the third quarter, as the Sparks opened with a 20–8 run. The Valkyries cut the lead to six late in the third, but Los Angeles responded defensively and held Golden State to just seven points in the fourth. Head coach Lynne Roberts, making her WNBA debut, credited the team’s ability to stay composed.

“I’m incredibly proud of this team’s ability to take a punch and not freak out,” Roberts said. “Especially winning on the road, you have to have that mentality. … We answered the bell. That shows mental toughness.”

“I Have Spent a Lot of Time Learning”: Kelsey Plum Credits A’ja Wilson After Historic Sparks Debut 2 May 16, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) shoots against Golden State Valkyries guard Carla Leite (back) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Plum spent the offseason building the stamina to play extended minutes at full pace. She said the Sparks’ offensive system is still a work in progress, but there’s trust that cohesion will come.

“This is a new offense for everyone, so we’ve got to be patient,” Plum said. “We’ve still got to find our rhythm with that. We’re going to be better at our timing and positioning, getting open. Me getting the ball to post players on time and being efficient with that. That will get better with time, but we’ve got a great group of athletes.”

Even on the opposing sideline, there was appreciation for Plum’s impact. Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase, who previously coached Plum as an Aces assistant, wasn’t surprised by her dominance.

“That is the Kelsey I am used to,” Nakase said. “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.”

Plum finished as one of four Sparks players in double figures, joining Dearica Hamby (14 points, 10 rebounds), Rickea Jackson (13 points), and Azura Stevens (11 points). The night also marked the franchise’s first regular-season game under Roberts, with Rae Burrell exiting early due to a right leg injury.

“I love basketball. I love to play basketball,” Plum said again postgame. “Just compete, and we have a great group.”

On a night that marked a new chapter for the Sparks, Plum left no doubt that this team—and this season—will run through her.