SAN FRANCISCO — This is why the Sparks got her.
Kelsey Plum scored an incredible 37 points as the Los Angeles Sparks were able to run away in the second half of their game against the Golden State Valkyries, 84-67.
While Coach Lynne Roberts was brought in to have a modern versatile offense, it was the defense that got it done for the Sparks. The Valkyries were held to .365 shooting and turned the ball over 20 times. They also only scored seven points in the fourth period. And the Sparks had 16 steals.
“I thought, defensively, our post players were tremendous,” Plum said. “We iced, we switched, they were up, they were aggressive. And then we got the rebounds and they really boxed out. They let the guards come in there and grab them. So I think our post players, Dearica (Hamby) and Azurá (Stevens), just super active and long. Azurá got four steals and Dearica got a big steal on the baseline, kind of like stunted and grabbed it. It was definitely a team effort.
“Odyssey (Sims) on the ball was tremendous,” Plum continued. “Just her toughness, her pressure… she’s someone that wreaks havoc up there. Just really proud of the team effort there.”
It wasn’t necessarily clean on the offensive end for the Sparks.
“I felt we were kind of a little disheveled and disorganized at times,” Plum summarized. “Credit (the Valkyries); they amped up their pressure. I felt like I didn’t do a great job getting us organized at stuff. Kind of got into late shot clock stuff.”
Plum’s scoring in the second half got them out of a jam, especially in the third quarter when she scored 17 of her points.
“Mentality for me tonight was just come out and have fun,” Plum said. “I love basketball. I love to compete. We just have a great group. I could go down the line in the women in the locker room that have a tremendous attitude and a joy for life and the game. Coach has really brought a very light and fun environment, making jokes and all the things. Just wanted to come out and have fun.”
It wasn’t all great for the Sparks, though, as Rae Burrell hurt her leg after landing awkwardly. She had to be carried off the floor after 41 seconds of play in the first quarter.
“She’ll go back to L.A. and get some more testing done,” Coach Lynne Roberts said about Burrell’s status. “But hopefully she’s okay. We don’t know anything yet. But prayers up for that she’s okay.”
While it was the first game in the history of the Golden State Valkyries franchise, Kelsey Plum, who played the entire game, made history of her own. She is the first player to have a line of 35 points (she had 37), five assists (she had six), and five steals. Plum also broke the record for most points in a season opener and most points by a player in their debut for a team. She scored 37, which eclipsed the previous record of 34 for both categories set by the great Candace Parker for the Sparks and Napheesa Collier, who tied the season opener record earlier in the night.
And another milestone was set. Coach Roberts had her first win as a WNBA coach.
“It isn’t really about me. It’s about the team and these players,” Coach Roberts said. “And I’m blessed to be in this opportunity, but I don’t ever want it to be about me.”
Dearica Hamby supplemented her old and current teammate Plum with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Rickea Jackson finished with 13. On the other side, Golden State was led by former Ace Tiffany Hayes with 19 points while Temi Fagbenle put in 15. Julie Vanloo had an electrifying stint off the bench with 14.
The Sparks start their season with a victory and a lot of history. But next up are WNBA finalists Minnesota Lynx in their home opener on Sunday. And the Lynx are not really looking for history as much as they are looking for revenge after what happened last October in the Finals.
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