Sparks Spoil Valkyries’ Debut with 84-67 Victory at Chase Center
Kelsey Plum and the Los Angeles Sparks thwarted the Golden State Valkyries’ long-awaited regular-season debut, securing an 84-67 win on Friday at the Chase Center. The Sparks outpaced the Valkyries 18-7 in the final period, sealing their victory.
Plum was unstoppable, racking up 37 points—her highest in the game—alongside six assists and five steals in her first regular-season performance with the Sparks. Playing the full 40 minutes, she shot 11-of-19 from the field, drained four of six three-pointers, and made all 11 of her free throws.
The Sparks’ offense was a team effort, with three other starters scoring in double digits, including Dearica Hamby’s 14 points. The Valkyries showed resilience, especially from Tiffany Hayes, who nearly achieved a double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds. Temi Fagbenle contributed 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Game Breakdown: Sparks vs. Valkyries Highlights
Final Score: Sparks 84, Valkyries 67
3rd Quarter: Sparks 66, Valkyries 60
The Sparks led by as much as 15 points in the third, but the Valkyries clawed their way back, closing the gap to just six by the end of the period. Julie Vanloo helped Golden State spark a run, hitting 4-for-7 from three-point range to finish with 14 points off the bench. Hayes wasn’t far from a double-double, with 17 points and six rebounds. Kelsey Plum continued to lead the Sparks with 28 points, six assists, and four steals.
Halftime: Sparks 42, Valkyries 39
Plum led Los Angeles with 11 points and five assists in the first half. Azura Stevens added 10 points and four rebounds for the Sparks. For the Valkyries, Fagbenle had 13 points and four rebounds, with Hayes adding 11 points and three rebounds.
1st Quarter: Valkyries 20, Sparks 19
Fagbenle and Hayes both contributed seven points and two rebounds for the Valkyries. For the Sparks, Azura Stevens had an impressive quarter, finishing with eight points, three defensive rebounds, three steals, and a block.
Rae Burrell’s Injury
Sparks forward Rae Burrell was forced to leave the game after suffering a right knee injury with 3:04 remaining in the first quarter. Burrell was assisted off the court and would not return to the game. The Sparks later confirmed the injury was to her lower extremity.
Historic Moments: Valkyries’ First Franchise Possession
Kayla Thornton made history as the first player to score for the Golden State Valkyries, hitting a 17-foot jump shot. The ball was then exchanged during a shot-clock violation and will be sent to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the franchise’s historic first.
Starting Lineups
Los Angeles Sparks: Kelsey Plum, Odyssey Sims, Rickea Jackson, Dearica Hamby, Azura Stevens
Golden State Valkyries: Veronica Burton, Tiffany Hayes, Kate Martin, Kayla Thornton, Temi Fagbenle
