Kelsey Plum Sends Emphatic Message After Making WNBA History in Sparks Debut Win

Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum showed out in a historic way against the Golden State Valkyries.

May 16, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) gestures after a basket by forward Rickea Jackson (not shown) during the second quarter against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

There were several interesting storylines at play during the WNBA's opening night on May 16. One of the most compelling was Kelsey Plum making her debut with the Los Angeles Sparks after spending her entire professional career with the Las Vegas Aces' franchise to this point. Not to mention that the Sparks were facing the Golden State Valkyries in the expansion franchise's first-ever regular season game.

And Plum delivered in her debut, scoring 37 points (on 11 of 19 shooting, including 4 of 6 from three-point range), dishing out 6 assists, and amassing 5 steals in 40 minutes played.

This performance two different types of impressive WNBA history. One is that Plum's 37 points is the most ever by a player in a season-opener game, let alone for a player debuting for a new team.

Earlier tonight, Napheesa Collier tied W legends Maya Moore, Candace Parker, and Katie Smith for the most points in a season opener 🔥

By the end of the night…

Kelsey Plum broke the record with 37.

#WelcomeToTheW pic.twitter.com/7vayXSGqtS

— WNBA (@WNBA) May 17, 2025

It's also the first time that a player has scored at least 35 points while also tallying at least 5 assists and 5 steals in a single game in WNBA history.

Kelsey Plum's Sparks debut:

37 PTS
6 AST
5 STL

First player in WNBA history to reach those numbers in a game.pic.twitter.com/1uO2ysu0p6

— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) May 17, 2025

The WNBA's X account caught up with Plum after the game and asked her if she could have ever envisioned her debut with the Sparks going so well.

"I mean, I envisioned to win," Plum said. "It was an incredible atmosphere. You know, a lot to work on, but yeah it was really fun. I love playing basketball!"

When asked what it was like playing with her Sparks teammates, Plum said, "It was super fun! Obviously, we're still gonna work on our cohesion and figuring things out. But they really gave us a good run in the fourth quarter, but just proud of the way we responded."

“I really love playing basketball”

Kelsey Plum starting the season off the RIGHT WAY. A near 40 piece (37 PTS) and the dub in her debut with the @LASparks franchise 💪 pic.twitter.com/whv33X8Ibu

— WNBA (@WNBA) May 17, 2025

Plum is clearly feeling good about her decision to come to Los Angeles right about now.