Kelsey Plum owned the moment on her debut. The Los Angeles Sparks’ newest star dropped a jaw-dropping 37 points in an 86-67 win over the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. In doing so, Plum made WNBA history. No one has ever scored that many in a season opener. Even more impressive? She’s now the only player to record at least 35 points, five assists, and five steals in a single game.

Beyond the 37, Plum torched the Valkyries with 11-of-19 shooting (4-of-6 on threes) and 11-for-11 at the line. She logged all 40 minutes, outpacing every starter. That output also eclipsed Candace Parker’s previous Sparks debut mark of 34. Naturally, the basketball world couldn’t stop talking. And Matt Barnes? He made sure his message was loud and clear. The former Laker and Clipper dropped a smooth “Welcome to LA 😎” on his Instagram story right after Plum’s show. For Barnes, who knows L.A. basketball inside out, this wasn’t just praise—it was a nod of approval. And when Matt Barnes co-signs your first night in LA? You know it’s real.

Meanwhile, not everyone was caught off guard. Valkyries’ head coach Natalie Nakase, who coached Plum during her Aces days, wasn’t surprised at all. “That is the Kelsey I am used to,” she said, referencing Plum’s fearless left‑hand drives and diverse scoring game. Nakase’s reaction was less shock, more respect.

Even Plum herself kept it light and joyful post-game. “The mentality for me tonight was really just come out and have fun,” she said. “I love basketball. I love to play basketball. Just compete, and we have a great group.” But here’s the twist—behind that electric performance, Plum credits a certain WNBA star.

Kelsey Plum Says A’ja Wilson shaped her Sparks debut

So after seven seasons grinding with the Aces—including their San Antonio days—Kelsey Plum walked into Los Angeles carrying more than just expectations. She was now the face of a Sparks squad that went 8–32 last year, and the pressure was real. But rather than flinch, Plum leaned into the moment. And quietly? A’ja Wilson had something to do with that. Her longtime Aces teammate helped shape how Plum approached this new chapter—leading not just with skill, but with poise.

In fact, Plum had no hesitation giving credit where it was due. “I have spent a lot of time learning, particularly from A’ja,” she 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.”

That growth already showed. She went on to praise her teammates too, adding, “The floor was super spaced tonight, which allowed me to get downhill and just try to get out in transition and do what I do best.”

Then again, the stats did plenty of talking. Plum poured in 26 of her 37 points in the second half, including a red-hot 17-point third quarter. Even when the Valkyries cut the lead to six, LA didn’t blink. Head coach Lynne Roberts said it best: “I’m incredibly proud of this team’s ability to take a punch and not freak out. … We answered the bell. That shows mental toughness.”

Of course, it wasn’t just instincts. Plum spent her offseason preparing to play fast, long, and efficient. “This is a new offense for everyone, so we’ve got to be patient,” she said. Still, her presence was clear. The Sparks now runs through her—and with the Minnesota Lynx up next, the league’s watching.