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    Sparks’ Kelsey Plum remains optimistic ahead of Toronto game
    • May 14, 2026

    LOS ANGELES — Kelsey Plum is averaging 26 points per game, but she’s not satisfied with her overall impact as the Sparks have begun the season on a two-game losing streak.

    “I have all the faith in the world that when the regular season is over,” Plum said, “we will be there in the playoffs and pushing. I have all the faith, it’s just the process.”

    The Sparks, who are one of two teams that remain winless in the league, suffered an 87-78 loss at home to the Indiana Fever Wednesday.

    It will be a quick turnaround to Friday’s game, when they host an upstart Toronto Tempo team that just won the franchise’s first game, 86-73 at home against the Seattle Storm Wednesday.

    Former Sparks guard Marina Mabrey, who was a second-round pick in 2019, led the way with 26 points on 6 of 11 shooting from 3-point range. Another former Sparks guard, Brittney Sykes, scored 18 points.

    Toronto’s point guard is another former Spark, Julie Allemand, who was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in April’s expansion draft. Allemand dished out six assists in the victory.

    Plum believes this year’s team, with the notable return of Nneka Ogwumike, has the potential to be a good team. Ogwumike, who is a 10-time All-Star, is averaging 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds. Dearica Hamby, a three-time All-Star, is averaging 14 points and 6.5 rebounds. However, the veteran trio are only players averaging double figures in the scoring column.

    That is a major reason the Sparks offense is averaging only 78 points while allowing a near-league-high 96 points per game.

    “I think you’ve seen stretches of ‘oh wow’ this team has got pieces and is dynamic,” Plum continued. “We have scorers, different threats, different positions and when we’re locked in, especially defensively, we can be really good.”

    The Sparks finished last season 21-23 and missed the playoffs for a franchise-record fifth consecutive season.

    “Flush last year, right,” Plum explained. “This is a new year. Every year is different. Different personnel, people are different from the offseason. That’s the beauty of our league. (In) six months, you can get a lot better, be a lot different as a player, as a coach. I just think continue to trust the process. I know that we have the right people here and we’re going to figure it out.”

    Meanwhile, Sparks guard Ariel Atkins sat out after a head injury in the second half of Wednesday’s game when she was hit in the face with an errant elbow. Her status for Friday’s game is uncertain.

    Plum’s dual role

    Prime Video has announced that Plum will be joining “WNBA on Prime” as a player contributor for the 2026 season.

    “I’m excited to join Prime Video this WNBA season, as the league has never been more valuable in terms of media deals and viewership,” Plum said in a news release. “There’s so much talent and momentum around the league, and I look forward to bringing fans a current player’s perspective while highlighting the personalities and storylines that make the game so special.”

    The two-time WNBA champion and four-time All-Star will make select appearances and will share current-player insight and analysis to studio programming.

    “Kelsey’s had a standout career in the WNBA and is a dynamic presence in women’s basketball,” said Amina Hussein, Prime Video Sports’ head of on-air talent and development. “We’re building something special with WNBA on Prime, and her contributions to our broadcast as a current league veteran will add to our goal of delivering fans an authentic, player-driven experience.”

    Lisa Leslie’s statue

    The Sparks announced on Wednesday that they will honor franchise legend Lisa Leslie with a statue outside of Crypto.com Arena before the Portland Fire vs. Sparks game on Sunday, Sept. 20.

    The two-time WNBA champion played for the Sparks from the league’s inception in 1997 until 2009. The eight-time All-Star is the Sparks’ all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocked shots.

    TORONTO (1-1) AT SPARKS (0-2)

    When: Friday, May 15, 7 p.m. PT

    Where: Crypto.com Arena

    TV: ION

    ​ Orange County Register 

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