Plum and Copper Make WNBA History With Dueling 40-Point Games

History was made on June 14, 2026, as the Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Phoenix Mercury 111-102 in overtime in one of the most extraordinary offensive performances the WNBA has ever seen. Two players, on opposite sides, each surpassed 40 points — a feat that had never happened before in the league’s history, regular season or playoffs combined.

A Career Night on Both Sides of the Court

Kelsey Plum was the player of the game for the Sparks, finishing with a career-high 43 points on 14-26 shooting, including 5-11 from 3-points range and a near-perfect 10-12 from the free-throw line. She also dished out 7 assists. Her performance tied the Sparks’ single-game scoring record, previously held by Kristi Toliver. Plum was especially dominant down the stretch, pouring in 17 points in the fourth quarter alone — another franchise record.

The 9th-year veteran credited her offseason work for her breakout 2025-2026 campaign. « In the offseason this year, I really took my weight room strength and conditioning to another level, » she said. « Another thing is just mentally I’ve grown and been a lot more patient. I appreciate that Coach gives me the freedom to really go out there and just play. » Plum is currently averaging a WNBA-best 26.6 points per game this season, while shooting an impressive 55.5% from the field and 41.4% from 3-points range.

Kahleah Copper vs Kelsey Plum — comparaison

On the other side, Kahleah Copper refused to go quietly. The Mercury star put up 41 points — a career high — on 16-30 shooting, going 6-14 from 3-points range, while also pulling down 10 rebounds for a double-double. She became the first Mercury player in franchise history to record both 40+ points and a double-double in the same game. Only Diana Taurasi, four times, and now Copper have ever scored 40 or more points in a Mercury uniform.

Despite Copper’s heroic effort, Phoenix fell to 4-11 on the season and 1-5 at home. She also joined Lauren Jackson — who accomplished the feat in 2007 — as just the second player in WNBA history to score 40 or more points in a losing effort.

Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts was full of admiration for both performances. « That was an offensive display by both Kah and KP, » she said. « When they both have it going like that, it’s impressive and fun to watch. »

With the win, Los Angeles improved to 7-6 and extended their winning streak to three games. The Sparks will look to build on this momentum, powered by a Plum who appears to be playing the best basketball of her career.