WNBA All-Star Makes History After Just One Game With New Team

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated May 17, 2025 7:02 AM ET

There was no shortage of action on Friday night as the WNBA officially kicked off its 2025 season. There was a triple-header on the docket, with the last game being the Los Angeles Sparks taking on the Golden State Valkyries in their WNBA debut.

The Sparks spoiled the Valkyrie's historic night at Chase Center, though, as L.A. secured a convincing 84-67 victory on opening night. This was thanks in large part to a huge performance from three-time All-Star Kelsey Plum, who was also making her debut for her new team.

Plum played her first game for the Sparks following her offseason trade-and-sign deal. The two-time WNBA champ was involved in a blockbuster three-team deal that involved her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, and the Seattle Storm.

Plum wasted no time making her mark on her new team. She went off for a game-high 37 points on 11-of-19 shooting, two rebounds, six assists, five steals, and four triples in 40 minutes of action.

According to StatMuse, Plum is the first player in league history to register at least 35 points, five assists, and five steals in a single game.

Kelsey Plum vs Golden State:

37 PTS
6 AST
5 STL
4 3P

The first player in WNBA history with 35 PTS, 5 AST and 5 STL in a single game. pic.twitter.com/gbgh8jZz98
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 17, 2025

Big things are expected of Plum this season as the 30-year-old looks to lead the Sparks to a much better campaign. Last season, they finished with a league-worst 8-32 record, and L.A. will be hoping for better things in 2025.

Plum is coming off three consecutive All-Star appearances with the Aces, averaging 18.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, while also knocking down 2.8 triples on a 39.2% clip.

The Sparks will be hoping that Plum can keep up this level of play this year. After seeing what she did in her debut on Friday night, there's no denying that the former No. 1 overall pick is off to a tremendous start.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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