Kelsey Plum said she had learned from the best in A'ja Wilson, after her historic performance helped the Los Angeles Sparks spoil the Golden State Valkyries' WNBA debut.

A sellout crowd of 18,064 packed into Chase Center on Friday to witness the first outing for the Valkyries – the WNBA's first expansion team since 2008.

However, they failed to make a winning start to the 2025 season, as the Sparks claimed an 84-67 victory behind 37 points from new arrival Plum.

The 30-year-old, who was traded from the Las Vegas Aces in February, broke several records as she added six assists and five steals.

As well as recording the first 35-point, five-assist and five-steal game in WNBA history, Plum managed the most points by any Sparks debutant, and the most by any player in a season opener in league history.

Speaking after the victory, Plum said playing alongside 2024 league MVP Wilson in Las Vegas had served as a brilliant learning experience.

"I have spent a lot of time learning, particularly from A'ja," Plum said. "Watching her pick her spots and just being intentional about when to be aggressive, when not to be aggressive. 

"I don't think I did a tremendous job balancing, but I'll continue to get better.

"This is a new offense for everyone, so we've got to be patient. We've still got to find our rhythm with that. 

"We're going to be better at our timing and positioning, getting open. Me getting the ball to post players on time and being efficient with that... that will get better with time, but we've got a great group of athletes."

KP already making history with the Sparks. 

Kelsey Plum sets @WNBA record for most points by a player in their season opener.

37 PTS | 2 REB | 6 AST | 4-6 3PM pic.twitter.com/UgIUH5fysj

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) May 17, 2025

Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase served as an assistant for the Aces between 2022 and 2024, so she was anything but surprised by Plum's dominant showing.

"That is the Kelsey I am used to," Nakase said. "She was able to get downhill to her left, something we talked about, but she's fearless. 

"She wants to get into the paint. If not, she's playing off two feet, or she's getting to a step-back three. That's the Kelsey that I know."

The Valkyries will bid to earn their first WNBA win on Wednesday, when they host the Washington Mystics, while the Sparks take on the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday.