Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum had 43 points and Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper scored 41 on Saturday, the first time opponents have had dueling 40-point games in WNBA history, including the playoffs. They each set career highs for points.
But Plum got the last laugh as the Sparks won 111-102 in overtime at Phoenix’s Mortgage Matchup Center.
“That was an offensive display by both Kah and KP,” Los Angeles coach Lynne Roberts said. “When they both have it going like that, it’s impressive and fun to watch.”
Plum made 14 of 26 shots from the field, 5 of 11 from behind the arc and 10 of 12 free throws. She also had seven assists. Plum tied the Sparks’ single-game scoring record, which is held by retired guard Kristi Toliver, and tied a Sparks record for points in the fourth quarter with 17.
Plum is averaging a WNBA-best 26.6 points per game while shooting 55.5% from the field and 41.4% from behind the arc for the Sparks, who are 7-6 and have won three in a row. Plum is averaging career highs in points, assists and field goal percentage.
“In the offseason this year, I really took my weight room strength and conditioning to another level,” said Plum, who is in her ninth WNBA season. “Another thing is just mentally I’ve grown and been a lot more patient. I appreciate that Coach gives me the freedom to really go out there and just play.”
Copper was 16-of-30 from the field, 6-of-14 from behind the arc and 3-of-6 from the free throw line. She had 10 rebounds and is the first player in Mercury history to score at least 40 points and have a double-double. Copper and retired star Diana Taurasi are the only Mercury players who have scored at least 40 in a game; Taurasi did it four times.
Copper is the second player in WNBA history to record at least 40 points in a loss; Seattle’s Lauren Jackson did so in 2007. Phoenix dropped to 4-11 and 1-5 at home.
