The Los Angeles Sparks’ 111-102 win in overtime over the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday only tells part of the story. The game was headlined by a historic battle between Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper, who combined for 84 points. Plum erupted for a career-high 43 points to lead the Sparks, while Copper answered with a career-best 41 points and 10 rebounds for Phoenix. Following the game, Copper had nothing but praise for Plum, acknowledging the Sparks guard’s ability to take control when the moment demands it.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
“She’s a great player. Great player, competitive. She’s a dog. She knows when to take over games. She got in the mode. There were just times when we needed to get her off the three-point line. That’s the (defensive) slippage, and that’s just not letting someone score the same kind of way…” Copper said.
Kahleah Copper to @YoungNBA on Kelsey Plum’s career-high 43-point game.
— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) June 14, 2026
“She’s a great player. Great player, competitive. She’s a dog. She knows when to take over games. She got in the mode. There were just times when we needed to get her off the three-point line. That’s the… pic.twitter.com/on5Xo32Z0Z
With Plum’s 43 points and Copper’s 41, the two stars became the first opposing duo in WNBA history to each score 40 or more points in the same game. Further, Plum has now equalled WNBA legend Kristi Toliver, who is currently the associate head coach for the Phoenix Mercury, for the most points scored by a Sparks player in a single game.
The most remarkable part of Plum’s performance was the fact that she single-handedly kept the Sparks alive when defeat seemed inevitable. With just 1.6 seconds left in regulation, she converted a clutch layup to tie the game at 98-98 and force overtime. On some other night, the Phoenix Mercury, and even Copper in particular, would have done enough to win that game. But like Copper said, “It’s tough with great players.”
The Mercury now sit on a 4-11 record this season, with the Las Vegas Aces up next on the schedule. It will be another tough challenge against a stronger opponent, but in Copper’s words, they “gotta continue to figure it out.”
Sparks coach Lynne Roberts applauds Kelsey Plum’s unselfishness after historic game
Plum’s 43 points, seven assists, and two rebounds in Saturday’s win were impressive by every measure. But for Los Angeles Sparks coach Lynne Roberts, those assists are what set Plum apart from the rest.
“She doesn’t get talked about enough in terms of what she’s doing this season,” Roberts said of Plum during the postgame press conference. “You know, and also the efficiency. But seven assists and I think that’s what separates her. It’s an unselfish 43 and you know she’ll credit her teammates and all the things. But the work she puts in and her will to win is the best in the league.”
Plum has been absolutely outstanding this season. She currently ranks second in average points with 26.6 and third in average assists with 6.9. She is currently shooting 55.5% from the field while connecting on 41.4% of her three-point attempts.
Sadly, these performances haven’t translated into wins for the Sparks, who are 7-6 this season. They face the Golden State Valkyries in their next game and will be hoping to build on the momentum from their dramatic overtime victory over the Mercury.
