Angel Reese attempts block on Kelsey Plum (Photo via WNBA/X)

It didn’t take long for Kelsey Plum to make her presence felt in Los Angeles — in fact, it took just one game.

The two-time WNBA champion and former Las Vegas Aces star lit up the scoreboard with a historic performance in her debut for the Los Angeles Sparks, notching a record-breaking 37 points, the most ever scored by a player in their first game wearing the Sparks jersey.

Plum’s explosive debut came against the Chicago Sky on Sunday, and the moment that lit social media ablaze came late in the second quarter, when she scored over none other than rookie sensation and viral icon Angel Reese.

With the Sparks leading 43-39 at halftime, Plum closed out the first half with seven points — two of which came from a hard-earned layup against Reese that instantly went viral. After slicing through the defense with a lightning-quick crossover, Plum attacked the basket, going right at Reese and slipping past her outstretched arm to bank the shot off the glass. Then came the drama — Plum turned to Reese and made the iconic “too small” gesture before running back on defense.

It was the kind of bold, brash move fans expect from Plum — and it quickly became the highlight of the night.

“Kelsey Plum hit Angel Reese with the ‘Too Small’ 😭😭,” one user commented, echoing the sentiments of thousands watching live.

A Statement Game for Plum

Plum has long been one of the most dynamic guards in the league, but Sunday night felt like a personal statement: new team, same killer instinct. So far this season, she’s averaging 26.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 2.7 steals per game — MVP-level numbers.

Her ability to seamlessly transition into the Sparks’ offense and take on a leadership role has fans and analysts buzzing. With her sharpshooting, fearlessness in the lane, and clear ability to take over games, Plum’s performance was a masterclass in how to silence critics and ignite a new fan base.

“Wow KP is a savage she said this is how you make a layup 😂😂,” another user wrote after the play went viral.

“Getting cooked on D now too. Is there anything Angel Reese can do well? I’m starting to feel bad for her,” added another.

Angel Reese’s Tough Night Continues

On the other end, Angel Reese — a towering 6’3” forward — had a mixed night. After going scoreless in her previous game, Reese bounced back with eight first-half points, but struggled defensively, particularly in matchups against the smaller, quicker Plum.

Despite her size advantage over the 5’8” Sparks guard, Reese couldn’t stop Plum from scoring or from sending a strong message — both on the scoreboard and with her celebratory taunt.

Reese, known for her brash confidence and social media savvy, didn’t immediately respond to the play, but fans were quick to pile on.

“angel is just the Draymond of the WNBA,” someone tweeted, implying that Reese may be more hype than production at this stage of her young career.

The comparison to Golden State’s Draymond Green — known for his defense and trash talk more than his scoring — wasn’t lost on fans, many of whom debated whether Reese is being asked to carry too much too soon in her rookie season.

“Kelsey Plum confirmed racist,” another user joked, likely referencing the absurdity of sports rivalries spiraling into overblown narratives online. (Hopefully, that one was a joke.)

A Clash of Personalities and Playing Styles

The matchup between Plum and Reese isn’t just one of skill, but of style and personality. Plum, a veteran with championship hardware, is all business on the court, a deadly mix of composure and killer instinct. Reese, fresh off a dominant college career and still adapting to the WNBA’s pace, brings charisma, length, and grit.

Sunday’s game offered a snapshot of their contrasts: the smooth finesse of Plum navigating the lane, and the raw energy of Reese trying to assert herself on defense. When the two collided, the veteran got the best of the rookie — this time.

The viral clip of Plum scoring on Reese and taunting her only fueled ongoing debates about who’s the real face of the WNBA’s future. While Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have grabbed headlines as rookies, Sunday’s moment served as a reminder that Plum and her peers are still running the league.

Looking Ahead

While the Sparks led at halftime and Plum was clearly in her element, the game itself remained tightly contested. Reese’s eight points marked a noticeable improvement from her previous performance, and Chicago Sky fans will be watching closely to see how she responds to what’s becoming a rough introduction to the pros.

Whether she steps up or continues to struggle, one thing is clear: Angel Reese is now firmly on the radar of every elite player in the league — and Kelsey Plum just gave her a lesson in WNBA reality.

As for Plum, her new chapter in Los Angeles couldn’t have started better. If this game is any indication, the Sparks may have just found the missing piece they’ve been looking for to return to championship form.