Plum praises – Kelsey Plum said Kate Martin’s energy and shot-making have shown up every time she’s on the floor as the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Portland Fire 89-72 on Sunday night.
The Los Angeles Sparks didn’t just win Sunday night against the Portland Fire — they came away with fresh confirmation that a key piece of their offense is changing in real time.
After the Sparks’ 89-72 victory. Kelsey Plum looked straight at her second season with Kate Martin as a teammate and made it clear she wants to see more of her. Plum is entering her 10th WNBA season and it’s her second with the Sparks. and she’s enjoying an impressive start — a career year in scoring and playmaking.
Martin, meanwhile, is in her first stretch as a bench contributor in Los Angeles. After reuniting with Plum in the offseason following their time together with the Las Vegas Aces throughout the 2024 campaign. Martin is still adapting — but Plum’s message was unmistakable: the impact is already arriving.
“You see her impact every time she goes in the game, her energy, she makes shots, she’s super active, and we need more of K-Mart,” Plum said.
Plum also framed her own approach to playing with Martin around putting teammates in position — and specifically tied what she’s seen on-court to how well she believes Martin understands the game.
“My job is whoever’s on the roster that day, just put them in positions to be successful. I obviously have experience playing with Kate. and one of the things I love about Kate. she’s always in the right spot. That’s why you see a lot of us connect a lot of times. She’s just like always in the right spot. So looking forward to play with K-Mart a lot more this year.”.
Martin’s situation adds another layer to Plum’s praise. Martin is currently on a developmental contract, and Plum said she is hoping it doesn’t last much longer.
On the court, the Sparks backed up the sentiment with production at both ends. Four players finished in double figures for Los Angeles, including Plum. She recorded 16 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three steals. Dearica Hamby added 22 points and 12 rebounds. Nneka Ogwumike posted 20 points and 17 rebounds, while Rae Burrell scored 10 points and grabbed three rebounds.
Still, the win came with a reminder that the Sparks aren’t coasting. Los Angeles fell to a 5-6 record on the season and sits sixth in the Western Conference standings. They’re above the Phoenix Mercury and the Seattle Storm, but trailing the Fire and the Golden State Valkyries.
With the momentum of Sunday night’s result, the Sparks now turn to the next test on the road. They take on the Storm with tip-off set for June 10 at 10 p.m. ET.
Kelsey Plum Kate Martin Los Angeles Sparks Portland Fire WNBA 89-72 Dearica Hamby Nneka Ogwumike Rae Burrell Western Conference
89-72 sounds kinda rough for Portland, but do we know if Kate Martin even started? lol
Kelsey Plum wants more “K-Mart”… okay but I thought they already had the offense figured out? Maybe bench players always spark it up for a game and then it disappears.
Wait, I’m confused—“developmental contract” sounds like she’s not really part of the team? Plum saying she hopes it doesn’t last longer like she can just change that. Also Kelsey talking about “right spot” like it’s strategy class.
Sparks winning by 17 and the headline still makes it about Plum praising Martin… meanwhile Dejarica Hamby had 22 and 12, but nobody talking about that? Portland must’ve just fell asleep. Also if they’re 5-6 sitting 6th that’s not exactly “changing in real time” for me.