SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The Los Angeles Sparks opened their season with a 75-64 win over the expansion Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Kelsey Plum made her debut for LA, scoring 19 points, while Azurá Stevens led the team with 20 points and 8 rebounds.

The Sparks controlled the glass, outrebounding Golden State 36-25, and set the tone early with a 21-11 first-quarter lead. The Valkyries responded to cut the deficit to 42-37 at halftime, but their offense stalled in the third, scoring just 9 points as LA extended its lead to 56-46.

Tiffany Hayes, selected by Golden State in the expansion draft, led the Valkyries with 15 points. Veronica Burton added 10 points and 4 assists.

Plum shot 7-of-17 from the field and added 4 assists and 2 rebounds. The Sparks maintained control in the fourth, outscoring the Valkyries 19-18 to close out the win.