Kelsey Plum: The Case for WNBA MVP
Kelsey Plum is averaging 24.8 points per game for the Los Angeles Sparks, ranking second in the WNBA. According to team statistics, the 31-year-old veteran has increased her scoring by 4.6 points over her career high while recording a career-best .558 field goal percentage.
How is Kelsey Plum achieving career-high efficiency?
Plum attributes her current performance to a rigorous offseason training regimen. She told reporters at Climate Pledge Arena that she spent between three and a half to four hours daily in the weight room, describing it as her “hardest” offseason.
The training focused on isometric exercises, conditioning, and practical movements designed to improve her bursts and ability to play through contact. Plum stated that basketball is a “war of attrition” where refinements eventually “click together.”
This physical preparation is evident in her two-point shooting percentage, which currently sits at .671. This figure significantly exceeds her 2023 season best of .550 and her career average of .480. For comparison, reigning MVP A’ja Wilson is shooting .513 from two this season.
What has changed in Plum’s approach to the game?
Beyond physical strength, Plum has adopted a more patient offensive strategy. In a recent game against Portland, Plum did not attempt a single field goal for the first 16 minutes and 30 seconds of play.
Plum noted that five years ago, waiting that long to shoot would have caused her to have a “seizure.” Despite the delayed start, she finished that game with 16 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three steals in a 17-point win.
The veteran is also recording a career-high 6.9 assists per game, currently third in the league, while maintaining a .407 three-point shooting percentage.
How does Plum’s success impact the Los Angeles Sparks?
Despite Plum’s individual statistics, the Sparks hold a 6-6 record. This follows a 21-23 record in Plum’s first season in Los Angeles and an 8-32 record in 2024.
Plum has expressed frustration with the team’s defensive performance. Following a victory over Portland, she pointed to the team’s defensive struggles, stating, “when you have the worst defensive rating of all time in the (WNBA), you tell me?”
Plum stated she does not care about individual numbers if the team is not winning. She described her current role as a “healthy challenge” to figure out how to contribute to winning every day as a leader.
What happens next for Kelsey Plum?
If Plum maintains her current pace twelve games into the season, she could be a candidate for her first MVP award. Her ability to balance scoring and distribution may be the primary driver for the Sparks’ trajectory.
The team’s success likely depends on whether Plum can translate her individual efficiency into improved team defense and a winning percentage above .500. If her current level of play continues, a corresponding increase in team victories may follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kelsey Plum’s current scoring averages?
Plum is averaging 24.8 points per game, which is the second-highest average in the WNBA.
How did Plum change her offseason training?
She spent three and a half to four hours daily in the weight room focusing on isometric training, conditioning, and exercises to improve her ability to play through contact.
What is the current record of the Los Angeles Sparks?
The Sparks currently have a 6-6 record.
Do you think individual MVP-caliber performances can overcome a league-worst defensive rating?