Kelsey Plum Sets Historic WNBA Debut Scoring Record

Kelsey Plum made a record-setting debut with the Los Angeles Sparks, scoring 37 points—the most ever in a WNBA season opener and for a franchise debut—along with six assists and five steals in an 84-67 win over the Golden State Valkyries. Plum became the first WNBA player to record at least 35 points, five assists, and five steals in a single game. The matchup drew a sellout crowd of 18,064, marking both the Valkyries' inaugural regular season contest and the return of professional women's basketball to the Bay Area. Plum, acquired in a major offseason trade from the Las Vegas Aces, quickly established herself as the Sparks' primary scorer and leader. New coach Lynne Roberts guided the Sparks to victory, with Dearica Hamby and Rickea Jackson also scoring in double digits. Off the court, Plum's style and leadership energized her teammates and the fanbase.