Kelsey Plum meets hype with record 37 points in Sparks debut - ESPN

SAN FRANCISCO — As 18,064 fans clad in violet shirts filled Chase Center, making the Golden State Valkyries' season opener the second-highest-attended home debut in WNBA history, Kelsey Plum made a bit of history of her own in her first game in a Los Angeles Sparks uniform.

Plum scored 37 points, the most by a Sparks player in their debut and the most by any WNBA player in a season opener in an 84-67 victory. Her six assists and five steals also made her the first WNBA player with a game of at least 35 points, 5 assists and 5 steals.

«The mentality for me tonight was really just come out and have fun,» said Plum, who shot 11-of-19 from the field and 11-of-11 from the free throw line. «I love basketball. I love to play basketball. Just compete, and we have a great group.»

For much of her career, Plum has played alongside all-time offensive producers such as three-time MVP A'ja Wilson during her six-season stint with the Las Vegas Aces. But when Plum arrived in Los Angeles this offseason, she instantly became the team's No. 1 option.

The Sparks hoped she would help revive a stagnant offense that caused them so many problems last season. They lacked sufficient and consistent scoring, as well as a floor general who could reliably pass to players down low, such as Dearica Hamby.

«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.»

Plum spent the offseason focusing on her strength and conditioning. She had the goal of being able to play a full 40 minutes with pace and work through contact — both of which she did