Sparks can't keep pace with defending champion Aces in season-opening loss
Kelsey Plum finishes with a game-high 27 points, but the Sparks can't overcome five Las Vegas Aces players scoring in double figures in a 105-78 loss.
Sparks guard Kelsey Plum, left, and forward Dearica Hamby, right, battle Las Vegas center A'ja Wilson for the ball during the Sparks' 105-78 loss at Crypto. com Arena on Sunday. (Luiza Moraes / Getty Images) To be the best, you have to beat the best, and the Sparks aren’t quite there.
In their season opener, the Sparks couldn’t build momentum against defending champion Las Vegas and fell 105-78 behind a remarkably efficient shooting day from the Aces. Las Vegas shot 63% from the floor and the Sparks had few answers. Nneka Ogwumike had 19 points and 10 rebounds in her return to the Sparks, and Kelsey Plum opened her campaign with 27 points.
Reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 19 points and Jackie Young picked up 20 points and nine assists. Chennedy Carter had 22 points in her first WNBA game since 2024. Read more: 'Honored for the opportunity': Sparks sign fan favorite Kate Martin to developmental pool Plum scored 11 of her points in the fourth quarter, but by then the Aces had opened a 20-plus point lead.
The Aces were coming off a 33-point blowout opening day loss to Phoenix on Saturday but showed no sign of fatigue. Las Vegas (1-1) pounded the paint early with 26 points in the first half and 14 free throws to seven from the Sparks (0-1). They also shot 68.