Kevin Durant gives shoutout to L.A. Sparks after season opener

Kevin Durant (35) celebrates after a play during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Footprint Center. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kevin Durant gives shoutout to L.A. Sparks after impressive season opener

By Kevin McCormick | Last updated May 18, 2025 7:49 PM ET

Along with being an all-time talent in the NBA, Kevin Durant is an avid lover of all levels of basketball. While enjoying the downtime of the offseason, the former MVP was among the people adding to the excitement of opening weekend in the WNBA.

When he isn't working on his craft, KD can often be found engaging with fans on social media. On Sunday morning, the Phoenix Suns star fielded a question about the women's game. With the 2025 regular season just getting underway, Durant was asked which teams he'll be keeping a close eye on. Among the teams he shouted out was the new-look Los Angeles Sparks. Other squads that earned a mention included the Seattle Storm, Phoenix Mercury and Washington Mystics.

Seattle, Phoenix, sparks and mystics
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) May 18, 2025

It was a busy offseason for the Sparks, as they brought in numerous new faces to try and bolster the roster. Their biggest splash was acquiring three-time All-Star Kelsey Plum. She was traded to L.A. in a multi-team trade that saw Jewell Loyd wind up with the Las Vegas Aces.

As an established star-level talent in the prime of her career, Plum was viewed as someone who could be a leader on and off the court for a young Sparks squad. It did not take long for her to showcase the type of impact she plans on having for her new team.

On Friday night, the Sparks made history as they squared off against the Golden State Valkyries in the new franchise's first official game. LA managed to take care of business, starting the season off in the win column with an 84-67 victory.

A major catalyst in the Sparks' victory was the play of Plum, who shone in her debut. Logging 40 minutes, she tallied 37 points, two rebounds, six assists and five steals.

For the first time in years, Plum has an opportunity to be a heavily featured player in her team's offense. Based on how she performed on Friday, she is eager to showcase her talents in a more prominent role.

Between being a focal point for the Sparks and still being at her peak, all the pieces are in place for Plum to have a career year in L.A.

Kevin McCormick

Kevin McCormick is a basketball writer for Yardbarker with years of experience in the journalism field. Based out of Philadelphia, he graduated from Holy Family University with a degree in Sports Management in 2019. Since then, Kevin has gone on to build a career in sports writing

More must-reads: