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Plum, Copper Drop 40+ in Historic WNBA Duel

6/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Kelsey Plum and Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper each scored over 40 points, first time opponents posted 40-point games in the same WNBA matchup.
The Los Angeles Sparks fell 78-58 to the Golden State Valkyries on June 15, ending a three-game streak as Plum scored nine points.
Coach Natalie Nakase praised defensive looks that limited the Sparks to 33 % shooting, while forward Cameron Brink left with an apparent ankle injury.

History

Historical Context

The WNBA, incorporated in 1996 and launched in 1997, drafted Lisa Leslie as the seventh pick, and she recorded the league’s first double-double in her June 21, 1997 debut for the Los Angeles Sparks. Leslie’s early dominance paved the way for later milestones, such as her 2002 dunk—the first in WNBA history—illustrating the league’s growing individual brilliance.

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Story summary

Kelsey Plum and Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper each scored over 40 points, first time opponents posted 40-point games in the same WNBA matchup.
The Los Angeles Sparks fell 78-58 to the Golden State Valkyries on June 15, ending a three-game streak as Plum scored nine points.
Coach Natalie Nakase praised defensive looks that limited the Sparks to 33 % shooting, while forward Cameron Brink left with an apparent ankle injury.

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