“Sparks’ Kelsey Plum Sets Single-Season Free-Throw Record in Liberty Loss — and That Unbelievable T-Shirt Toss Moment You Can’t Miss”

1. Introduction: Record Books and Viral Highlights

Kelsey Plum has been the headline-maker this WNBA season—both for setting franchise records and for stealing attention with her off-court flare. In a tough 105–97 loss against the Liberty, Plum etched her name in the Sparks record books by becoming their single-season leader in free throws made, but she also delighted fans earlier with a viral T-shirt toss that showcased her elite athleticism in a lighter moment. Let’s break down both scenes that have defined Plum’s campaign so far.

2. By the Numbers: Plum’s Record-Breaking Performance

In the game against the New York Liberty—a 105–97 defeat that ended their four-game losing streak—Plum posted a standout line: 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, while going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. That immaculate performance helped her surpass Lisa Leslie’s previous Sparks single-season free throws made record, with 172 through 31 games, beating Leslie’s 169 in 32 games from 2000.(SI)

Despite the loss, Plum’s consistency shines—she’s now tied for the most 20-point games in franchise history alongside Nneka Ogwumike. This milestone underscores her dominance, especially when L.A. continues to struggle on defense, ranking near the bottom of the league.

3. A Closer Look: Sparks’ Season Context

PLUM’S OUTFIELD POWERHOUSE SEASON

• In her debut with the Sparks, Plum erupted for 37 points—a WNBA record for most points in a season opener—and added 5 assists and 5 steals, plus an impeccable 11-for-11 from the line.
• By early season, she averaged nearly 24.8 points and 5.6 assists per game, ranking second in league scoring.

TEAM STRUGGLES
Despite Plum’s output, Los Angeles continued to grapple with injuries and inconsistency. Cameron Brink’s absence loomed large, and the team’s defensive rating hovered among the worst in the league.

SEASON SNAPSHOT
The Sparks currently sit with a checkered 11–14 record heading into the game’s rematch phases. Their matchup against top teams like the Liberty and league powerhouses underscores their need for cohesion and defensive improvements.

4. The Viral Moment: Plum’s T-Shirt Toss

Long before her record-breaking free throws, Plum captivated fans with a playful display of arm talent. During a game, she launched a T-shirt across the arena—drawing gasps and applause at her streetball-style strength. The clip turned into a viral sensation, trending on TikTok and social posts among women’s basketball communities. Plum later joined the conversation on Sue Bird & Taurasi’s Final Four Show, discussing the moment.

That viral throw isn’t just a fun anecdote—it highlights Plum’s combination of athleticism, flair, and command over visibility and moment. Whether delivering baskets or merch to fans, she knows how to leave a mark.

5. Plum’s Personal Highlights and Flashpoints

Beyond the numbers and viral clips, a few key moments illustrate her season:

• Historic Season Opener: Scorched the opening with a 37-point stunner, laying down a marker for her Sparks tenure.
• Consistency Against the Fever: Maintained a 21–1 all-time record against Indiana—best winning percentage in WNBA history against a single opponent (min. 20 games).
• Light-hearted Fan Interaction: In a charm move, Plum playfully told a fan wearing a Caitlin Clark shirt to “do better”—then gave them a Sparks T-shirt on the spot.
• Controversy in Motion: In a tense moment against the Valkyries, she was penalized for a flagrant foul widely criticized as deliberate. Coach Roberts defended her intentions.

6. Broader Impact: What Plum Means to the Sparks

OFFENSE CATALYST
Plum’s presence transformed the Sparks’ offense—her scoring, driving, and passing boosted team morale and performance, especially amid injury setbacks.

CULTURAL BRIDGING
From viral T-shirt tosses to fiery interactions with fans, Plum brings personality and presence. Social media buzz is now part of her reach, attracting attention beyond the court.

DRIVING TICKETS & MORALE
Her storylines amplify engagement. Whether it’s a record, a foul, or a wardrobe moment, Plum fuels conversation—and brings eyes back to women’s basketball.

The matchup against New York saw Liberty coach Sandy Brondello achieving her 101st win—another storyline intertwined with Plum’s narrative.

7. Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Plum and the Sparks

With just a handful of games remaining, Sparks face a defining stretch:

• Playoff Push or Setback: With 12 games left, they must shore up defense and capitalize on Plum’s magic to avoid missing the postseason again.
• Matchups Matter: Games like the Liberty rematch and other top-tier clashes could shape their fate.

Plum’s continued excellence—both in counting stats and intangible energy—could be the spark that drives a late-season turnaround.

Summary of Key Themes

Final Take

Kelsey Plum’s season has been a vivid mix of historic achievements, vibrant moments, and compelling narratives—on and off the hardwood. From rewriting Sparks history with her free throws to making fans laugh (and gasp) with a T-shirt fling, she’s everything a modern sports star should be: dominant, dynamic, and endlessly watchable.

If you’d like, I can also analyze her game-by-game progression, compare her to WNBA contemporaries, or dig into how Sparks’ strategy shifts with her at the helm.