Kelsey Plum returned to the court for the Los Angeles Sparks Friday and basically picked up right where she left off. The Sparks didn't win the game, but Plum ended the night with 27 points, two rebounds, and six assists, and continued a shooting streak that has been the league's most impressive since the 2026 season began.
Plum missed three games with an ankle injury, news that came just when the Sparks were beginning to pick up some steam this season. The team was also playing without Nneka Ogwumike, and there were worries that the dual injuries could sink Los Angeles before they truly had a shot at getting going.
And, sure: Los Angeles still lost this game. The Wings (who are currently experiencing the team's best starting record since moving to Dallas back in 2016) brought a lot of offensive prowess to the game and managed a 104-96 victory, but the Sparks still ended the game with a lot to be proud of.
Lynne Roberts had plenty of praise for Plum after the game. As she noted, Plum's performance was a lesson in what the rest of the league had been missing out on during those three games, and a promise of things to come. The Sparks had five players score in the double digits and, at times, showcased the offensive strength that they've been missing in recent years. Plum's ability to run the court was on full display, and she gave the Sparks exactly the boost the team needed as they move through the Commissioner's Cup and through the first half of the WNBA season.
Kelsey Plum is making moves during her second season with the team
Plum was traded to the Sparks ahead of the 2025 season as part of a three-team trade with the Las Vegas Aces and Seattle Storm. At the time, Sparks executive Eric Holoman said that Plum represented the future identity of the team and what they hoped to work toward. GM Raegan Pebley echoed that praise and added, "She has won everywhere she’s played, transforming teams with her unique combination of skills, work ethic and leadership."
The trade also brought Plum, who grew up in Poway, California, closer to her hometown. It's also clearly been a huge boon for both Plum and the team.
The Los Angeles Sparks will next play the Portland Fire at home on Sunday, and then will travel to Seattle to meet the Storm on June 10.
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