**Sparks Ignite in Season Opener, Defeat Valkyries 84-67**
San Francisco, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks kicked off the 2025 WNBA season with a commanding 84-67 victory over the expansion Golden State Valkyries on Friday, May 16, at Chase Center. Led by a scintillating performance from Kelsey Plum, the Sparks spoiled the Valkyries’ historic regular-season debut in front of a near-capacity crowd eager to witness the WNBA’s newest franchise.[](https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/16/golden-state-valkyries-los-angeles-sparks-season-opener-wnba-friday/)[](https://www.cbssports.com/wnba/gametracker/recap/WNBA_20250516_LAS%40GS/)
From the opening tip, the Sparks set the tone with aggressive defense and sharp offensive execution. Despite trailing 20-19 after the first quarter, Los Angeles forced eight Valkyries turnovers, with Azurá Stevens leading the charge. Stevens contributed eight points, three rebounds, and three steals in the opening frame, showcasing her two-way prowess. The Valkyries, paced by Temi Fágbénlé’s early scoring, kept the game close, shooting 44% from the field to match the Sparks’ intensity.
The second quarter saw the Sparks pull ahead, capitalizing on their defensive pressure to fuel transition scoring. Kelsey Plum began to take over, dropping 11 points by halftime, including five assists and two steals on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting. Stevens added 10 points, while sophomore Rickea Jackson chipped in eight, helping the Sparks build a 42-39 lead at the break. Los Angeles’ dominance in forcing turnovers—11 by halftime—proved to be the game’s biggest factor, as the Valkyries struggled to protect the ball against the Sparks’ relentless defense.[](https://x.com/WNBA/status/1923572957164486764)
The third quarter was the Kelsey Plum show. The All-Star guard erupted for 17 of her game-high 37 points, including a barrage of mid-range jumpers and crafty drives to the basket. Her six assists and four steals further underscored her all-around impact. The Sparks stretched their lead to 15 points, but the Valkyries closed the quarter on a 13-4 run, trimming the deficit to 66-60 and energizing the Chase Center crowd.
However, the Valkyries’ comeback hopes faded in the fourth. The Sparks’ defense clamped down, holding Golden State to just seven points in the final period. Plum continued her scoring clinic, while Jackson and Stevens provided timely buckets to maintain the double-digit lead. The Valkyries, despite Fágbénlé’s team-high 13 points, couldn’t overcome their 21 total turnovers or the Sparks’ 55% field-goal shooting. Los Angeles also outrebounded Golden State 28-21, with six offensive boards leading to crucial second-chance points.[](https://www.cbssports.com/wnba/gametracker/boxscore/WNBA_20250516_LAS%40GS/)[](https://www.cbssports.com/wnba/gametracker/recap/WNBA_20250516_LAS%40GS/)
For the Sparks, the win signals a strong start to their 2025 campaign, with Plum’s 37-point masterpiece setting a high bar. Jackson’s 13 points and Stevens’ all-around play suggest a balanced attack that could carry Los Angeles deep into the season. The Valkyries, while disappointed, showed flashes of potential in their debut, particularly in their third-quarter rally. As they adjust to the WNBA’s pace, Golden State will look to tighten their ball security in future games.
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