Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper make WNBA history with 40-point games
Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum and Phoenix Mercury counterpart Kahleah Copper have made WNBA history by becoming the first opponents to score 40 points in the same game during a 111-102 overtime victory for the Sparks on Saturday.
The historic shootout at the Mortgage Matchup Center saw both players register career-high scoring totals in a thrilling WNBA encounter.
Plum finished with a spectacular 43 points, while her Phoenix rival tallied 41 in a remarkable offensive showcase.
Record-breaking night for Los Angeles playmaker
The ninth-year guard successfully converted 14 of her 26 attempts from the field, including five three-pointers, alongside seven assists.
Her exceptional tally tied retired star Kristi Toliver for the Los Angeles franchise’s single-game scoring record.
The dynamic scorer also matched a team benchmark by pouring in 17 points during a decisive fourth-quarter surge.
Los Angeles head coach Lynne Roberts was left thoroughly impressed by the unprecedented dual scoring exhibition.
“That was an offensive display by both Kah and KP,” Roberts said.
“When they both have it going like that, it’s impressive and fun to watch.”
Copper joins exclusive Mercury club despite defeat
Despite falling short of the win, the Mercury standout etched her own name into the record books with a 40-point double-double that included 10 rebounds.
She joins retired legend Diana Taurasi as the only player in Phoenix history to reach the 40-point milestone in a single contest.
The performance also marks just the second time in league history a player has scored 40 points in a defeat, echoing Lauren Jackson’s 2007 effort for Seattle.
Phoenix’s struggles continue despite the historic individual effort, with the team dropping to a 4-11 overall record for the season.
Plum powers Sparks resurgence
The dramatic overtime victory extends a three-game winning streak for Los Angeles, improving their regular-season record to 7-6.
Their standout guard is currently enjoying a phenomenal campaign, leading the WNBA with a staggering average of 26.6 points per game.
She attributes her current career-best form in points, assists, and shooting efficiency to an intensified off-season conditioning programme.
“In the offseason this year, I really took my weight-room strength and conditioning to another level,” Plum said.
“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.”