Kelsey Plum Erupts for 27 as Sparks Earn First Win of the Season
The Los Angeles Sparks finally found their groove Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, picking up their first win of the season with a hard-fought 99-95 victory over the Toronto Tempo. The win snapped a two game skid and moved Los Angeles to 1-2 on the year.
From the opening tip, the Sparks looked locked in offensively. Los Angeles shot an impressive 63.8% from the field and 42.9% from three while moving the ball at an elite level, finishing with 26 assists on 37 made baskets. The offense flowed all night, and the energy inside Crypto.com Arena matched it.
The Sparks dominated inside, outscoring Toronto 54-30 in the paint, while also tying a franchise record with six players finishing in double figures. It marked just the 17th time in franchise history that six Sparks players scored 10 or more points in a regular season game and the third time under Head Coach Lynne Roberts.
Plum Leads the Charge
Photo credit: Alishia Stevens
Kelsey Plum once again proved why she’s one of the most dangerous guards in the league, finishing with a game high 27 points and 9 assists. Plum completely took over late, pouring in 15 fourth quarter points and knocking down clutch shots when the Sparks needed them most.
Through three games, Plum is averaging 26.3 points per game and has now opened the season with three straight performances of 25 or more points.
In the frontcourt, Nneka Ogwumike delivered one of her most efficient performances of the season, scoring 20 points on 8 of 11 shooting. She also moved into sole possession of sixth place on the Sparks’ all-time assists list, passing Chelsea Gray during the game.
Dearica Hamby continued her steady start to the season with 19 points on 8 for 10 shooting while once again making her presence felt on the glass. Rookie center Cameron Brink anchored the defense late and continued climbing the franchise record books, moving into 10th place on the Sparks’ all-time blocks list.
How the Game Shifted
The Sparks came out firing in the first quarter, opening the night on a 10-0 run. Plum set the tone immediately as a playmaker, assisting on the team’s first three baskets, while Ogwumike added another assist during the early surge.
The trio of Hamby, Ogwumike, and Rae Burrell combined for 25 first quarter points on an absurd 10 of 11 shooting clip, helping Los Angeles shoot over 61% in the frame.
By halftime, the Sparks were in complete control behind Ogwumike’s 15 first half points and Plum’s disruptive defense, which included three steals.
The biggest momentum swing came across the end of the second quarter and into the third, when Los Angeles exploded on a 16-1 run that stretched the lead to 20 their largest of the season. Hamby stayed perfect in the third, scoring 9 points on 4 for 4 shooting, while veteran guard Erica Wheeler knocked down a key three to cap the run.
Toronto refused to go away late, but Plum answered with three straight triples bridging the third and fourth quarters before the Sparks sealed the game at the free-throw line in the final minute.
Building an Identity
After the game, Roberts spoke about the culture the team is trying to establish early this season and the importance of accountability inside the locker room.
“Accountability without enforcement is nothing, it’s just words. That’s just the culture we have, and the players jump on board with that too.”
Wheeler also credited the coaching staff for helping her stay composed during key moments late in the game.
“I find that poise because coach gave it to me. She kept telling me I’m playing amazing and that means a lot, coming from your coach. She gave me the confidence that I really run the show, and I took pride in that today and it felt good.”
The Sparks won’t have much time to celebrate, as they’ll face the Tempo once again Sunday afternoon to close out their four-game season-opening homestand at Crypto.com Arena.
