The Los Angeles Sparks entered the 2026 WNBA season hoping Kelsey Plum may elevate the franchise again into playoff competition.
However, they started the yr 0-2, getting crushed by the Las Vegas Aces within the season opener, and following that up with a 9-point loss to the Indiana Fever. For a second, the Sparks regarded destined for an additional season on the surface of the playoff image, wanting in.
However, winners of three of their final 4 video games, Los Angeles is starting to appear like a staff that might make some noise, and Plum is the driving pressure behind why.
The 31-year-old is averaging 26.8 factors and 6.3 assists per sport, whereas capturing a scorching-hot 58.9% from the sphere and 48.8% from three-point vary. That’s an unprecedented begin; Plum is the primary participant in WNBA historical past to start a season with 4 straight 25-point video games whereas capturing higher than 55% from the sphere. Because it at present stands, she’s additionally the WNBA’s main scorer, whereas averaging the fifth-most assists per sport within the league.
And, she put collectively her most dominant offensive efficiency on Saturday night time, exploding for a season-high 38 factors (on 12-17 capturing) and 9 assists in a 101-95 win towards her former Aces squad. That spurred Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts to reward Plum’s total play — and surprise why she hasn’t obtained extra widespread recognition.
“I personally don’t suppose she will get talked about sufficient in one of the best participant conversations, these MVP conversations,” Roberts mentioned after. “For no matter motive, she doesn’t get talked about sufficient, and it’s form of an injustice.”
In reality, Plum would seemingly be in these conversations if the Sparks had been a extra profitable staff. And, if the previous couple of video games are any indication, they might be headed there.
Has leaving Las Vegas paid off for Kelsey Plum?
Plum made the choice to go away the Aces a yr in the past. On paper, that call could have regarded like a mistake within the short-term; the Aces went on to win their third title in 4 seasons, whereas Plum’s Sparks missed postseason motion in her first yr on the helm.
However, for Plum herself, the problem of elevating a struggling group was a pursuit in and of itself, a problem she’d discover personally gratifying.
“I wish to actually assist remodel a company,” she informed the Los Angeles Instances earlier this month. “You don’t actually know the way good you might be… till put in a state of affairs that’s possibly a little bit over your head.”
It’s nonetheless early days, however the Sparks are winners of three of their final 4 video games. House owners of a 3-3 report, they’re .500 for the primary time this season, and again within the combine for playoff competition.
Plum, in fact, will not be the one motive the Sparks have received 3 of their final 4 video games. Dearica Hamby (18.5 factors, 8.2 rebounds) and Nneka Ogwumike (15.6 factors, 6.6 rebounds) have each been key contributors.
Former No. 2 total choose Cameron Brink has begun to search out her footing; she’s averaging 9.3 factors, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 17.5 minutes per sport. Gamers like Rae Burrell, Ariel Atkins, and Erica Wheeler have all been key contributors within the rotation.
The Sparks are seemingly just a few items away from turning into true championship contenders. However in Kelsey Plum, they’ve a franchise participant pretty much as good as any.
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