Unbelievable! Plum and Copper Deliver Historic Dueling 40-Point Explosions!

In a WNBA first, Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks and Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury both achieved career-high 40-point games on Saturday. Plum's 43 points led the Sparks to an overtime win, tying a franchise scoring record, while Copper's 41 points marked a historic 40-point double-double for the Mercury despite their loss.

Precious Eseaye • Sports • 1 day ago • 2 minute read •

Key Points

• Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper made WNBA history by becoming the first opposing players to each score over 40 points in a single game.

• Kelsey Plum scored a career-high 43 points, tying the Sparks' single-game scoring record, and led her team to an overtime victory.

• Kahleah Copper recorded a career-high 41 points and 10 rebounds, marking the first 40-point double-double in Mercury history.

Unbelievable! Plum and Copper Deliver Historic Dueling 40-Point Explosions!

In a historic WNBA game on Saturday, Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum scored 43 points, while Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper recorded 41 points. This marked the first time in WNBA history, including playoffs, that opposing players achieved dueling 40-point games. Both performances were career highs for the respective players, culminating in an impressive offensive display for fans at Phoenix's Mortgage Matchup Center.

Kelsey Plum's remarkable 43-point effort led the Los Angeles Sparks to a 111-102 overtime victory. Plum showcased her scoring prowess by making 14 of 26 shots from the field, including 5 of 11 from beyond the arc, and converting 10 of 12 free throws. She also contributed 7 assists. Plum's 43 points tied Kristi Toliver for the Sparks' single-game scoring record and also matched a Sparks' record for points in the fourth quarter with 17. Her coach, Lynne Roberts, praised the offensive showcase, stating, "That was an offensive display by both Kah and KP. When they both have it going like that, it's impressive and fun to watch." Plum is currently averaging a WNBA-best 26.6 points per game, shooting 55.5% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range, contributing to the Sparks' 7-6 record and a three-game winning streak. In her ninth WNBA season, Plum attributes her career-high averages in points, assists, and field-goal percentage to intensified offseason strength and conditioning, along with significant mental growth and patience.

Despite her team's loss, Kahleah Copper delivered an outstanding performance for the Phoenix Mercury, scoring 41 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, marking the first 40-point double-double in Mercury history. Copper was efficient from the field, hitting 16 of 30 shots, including 6 of 14 three-pointers, and made 3 of 6 free throws. She joins retired star Diana Taurasi as the only Mercury players to score at least 40 points in a game, with Taurasi achieving the feat four times. Copper also became just the second player in WNBA history, alongside Seattle's Lauren Jackson in 2007, to record at least 40 points in a losing effort. Following the game, the Phoenix Mercury's overall record stands at 4-11, with a 1-5 record at home.