After playing at an MVP level to start the season, Kelsey Plum and the Sparks have been dealt a major setback.
The team announced that Plum would be out for at least four weeks with a lower left leg injury. She will be re-evaluated at the end of that timeframe, meaning a return to the court is likely even further away.
During Sunday’s game against the Liberty, Plum struggled
and had her left leg taped and re-taped throughout the game.
In 12 games this season, Plum was averaging 23.9 points per game on 52.7% shooting from the field while also dishing out 6.4 assists per game, all career-best marks. She was also knocking down 38.3% of her threes, giving her a career-best effective field goal percentage of 60.9%.
Plum’s finest performance came against the Mercury on the road where she tied the franchise single-game scoring record with 43 points. She also had 38 points in a win over the Aces as well.
The Sparks already saw Plum miss time this season due to a sprained ankle, going 1-2 in that span. Those games highlighted how important Plum was as the offense struggled noticeably.
A four-week absence is going to not only cost her a month, but likely an All-Star spot as well. The game is slated for July 25, almost exactly a month away. Even if Plum is selected to the team, there’s almost no scenario where she returns to play an exhibition game right away.
That break will offer a bit of leeway in her return, though. The Sparks will have six days between games because of the All-Star break, which is when Plum will be re-evaluated. The best-case scenario, though, feels like a return in mid-August is most likely.
It’s a brutal blow for the Sparks, who are now going to have to find ways to win without it’s All-WNBA guard.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
