Kelsey Plum will return to Las Vegas on Friday for a highly anticipated game between her current team, the Los Angeles Sparks, and her former team, the Las Vegas Aces. Plum leading scoring in WNBA 2024 headlines this contest as she continues to post career-best numbers early in the season.

Plum’s Transition and Scoring Prowess in 2024

After helping the Aces win consecutive WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023 and earning All-Star honors each season, Plum now plays for the Sparks. In her first six games with Los Angeles, she is averaging 25.2 points per game, ranking second in the league and exceeding her previous career-high average of 20.2 points set in 2022. Her strong scoring pace underscores her critical role on the Sparks’ offense this year.

Comments from A’ja Wilson on Plum’s Return

Three-time WNBA Most Valuable Player and Plum’s former Aces teammate, A’ja Wilson, expressed enthusiasm about Plum’s return to Las Vegas.

“I’m excited to have KP back in the house,”

Wilson said.

“She won us two championships here, so obviously we’re going to give everything that we can (with) the energy, the positive vibes.”

Wilson also acknowledged the competitive nature of the matchup.

“But it’s going to be another game with the Aces and the Sparks,”

she stated, adding,

“I feel like it’s always been a great game.”

Team Records and Previous Matchups

This game marks the first meeting between the Sparks and Aces this season. Last year, the teams split their four-game regular-season series evenly, with the Sparks winning two close games including a thrilling overtime victory. The Aces secured wins highlighted by Wilson’s dominant performance in August, where she posted 34 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks. Wilson’s strong start to the season featured three consecutive double-doubles before her streak ended during a recent defeat to Seattle.

Sparks’ Key Contributors and Team Dynamics

The Sparks have struggled for consistency beyond Plum and Dearica Hamby, who is also performing strongly this season with averages of 18.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. In the Sparks’ latest game, Hamby scored 28 points alongside Plum’s 27, despite their 88-82 loss to Atlanta. Coach Lynne Roberts praised Plum’s performance amidst growing pressure.

“KP’s been amazing, and there’s been a lot of pressure on her. She’s done a great job of handling that. She’s one of those type of players where every time she shoots, you assume it’s in,”

Roberts said.

“And then Dearica’s just been having unbelievable stat lines.”

Azura Stevens contributed a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds in the same game, but no other player on the Sparks scored more than five points, highlighting the need for greater team support moving forward.

Implications for the Season and Outlook

This clash between the Sparks and Aces will test both teams as Las Vegas aims to maintain its championship momentum, while Los Angeles relies heavily on Plum’s scoring to improve its record. As Plum continues to lead scoring in WNBA 2024, her performance against her former teammates will be a significant storyline and could influence the balance of power in the Western Conference. The energetic atmosphere and competitive history between these franchises make the matchup a vital early-season indicator of each team’s prospects.