When Kelsey Plum opted to depart the Las Vegas Aces and be part of the Los Angeles Sparks in free company, she was taking a threat. Plum, a three-time WNBA All-Star, had already gained two WNBA championships with the Aces and established herself as one of many league’s elite guards.
Within the offseason, she opted to hitch considered one of final yr’s least aggressive groups, with the information that she’d nearly instantly change into a No. 1 choice. However, although it’s nonetheless early days in Los Angeles, Plum has already showcased that she’s able to a good greater load. She opened up the season with a 37-point, 6-assist, 5-steal efficiency, during which she shot 11-19 from the sphere, 4-6 from three, and 11-11 from the road.
And, via 5 video games, Plum is the league’s second-leading scorer, averaging 24.8 factors per, and capturing 43.2% from three. She’s additionally at present seventh within the league in assists per recreation (5.6 per night time) and third in steals, with 2.4 steals an evening.
The Sparks are 2-3 to begin the season, and might want to tally extra wins for Plum to really be an MVP candidate.
Napheesa Collier at present seems to be the MVP frontrunner, averaging a league-best 29.5 factors per recreation on 56.2% capturing and 53.9% from three en path to a 4-0 begin to the season.
However, Plum will proceed to be within the combine as long as the Sparks discover a method to win.
“I wish to win so dangerous,” Plum mentioned after the Sparks’ blowout win over the Chicago Sky. “I hate shedding. It makes me sick. No matter this workforce wants.”
The return of younger standouts Rae Burrell (leg harm), Rickea Jackson (concussion), and Cameron Brink (ACL tear restoration) — all of whom are anticipated to come back again this season — ought to assist. Up to now this yr, Azura Stevens (17 factors) and Dearica Hamby (16.8 factors) have led the supporting forged.
However, for the reason that season opener, Plum has proven that she’s very a lot able to being the top of the snake — and that she may very well be up there with a few of the league’s prime gamers.
