The Los Angeles Sparks' newest superstar Kelsey Plum has been hyped for her regular-season debut, and she showed just how eager she's been by fighting her way to the basket for her first basket in the purple and gold.

Plum was the clear standout of the night, even getting a round of applause from the crowd when the Sparks' starting lineup was called. The three-time WNBA All-Star paid fans back with an entertaining display of her talent.

After winning two WNBA championships in three years with the Las Vegas Aces, Plum was moved in a blockbuster trade in the offseason that shocked women's basketball fans. Plum recently clarified her feelings about her time with the Aces and their choice to move on from her.

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“I'm forever grateful for my time in Vegas. There's no animosity or ill will,” Plum elaborated. “It was time for me to grow. That's why I took a leap of faith. It's just time for a new chapter in my life, personally and professionally.”

The Sparks finished 2024 riddled with injuries to key players and with a disappointing 8-32 record. Plum knew she would be coming to a team that she could help transform into a contender, and she explained that its potential was part of what she found inspiring about joining L.A.

“Everything starts and ends with a vision,” Plum said. “What really drew me was the vision of what coach sees for this franchise. They understand the previous success in championships.”

Plum and the Sparks logged an 83-82 win in their first and only preseason game against the expansion Golden State Valkyries, and they look to continue the successful streak in the opening-day rematch and beyond.