After a tough first two seasons, Kelsey Plum has arrived. Her energy and effort in the playoffs see her flirting with a triple-double most nights.

Kelsey Plum had a rough start to her professional career. A high ankle sprain prior to her debut in the rookie season curtailed her effectiveness that year. Last season Plum showed glimpses of what she was capable of but it is safe to say, Plum would not have been happy with her second year.

This season Plum has struggled at times, her shooting has been off for stretches of the season and then there was THAT game against the Los Angeles Sparks where Plum was insane in the last quarter to pull out the win. This was the second straight game where Plum played well. Check out the interview to see what it means to the Aces star.

This is passion which cannot be taught. Plum is a player who is super talented who plays with huge levels of energy. Now, I understand that two games do not make a career, or even a season, it is what Plum has done in the playoffs which is more notable.

Plum, on a team full of superstars, has averaged 16.7 points, 8.3 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game. These numbers are incredible, especially as these are her first WNBA playoff games. However, let us look at why I believe Plum is going to dominate the league records in triple-doubles.

Points

Plum is going to have no problems scoring the required points for a triple double. Once her shot falls with regularity in the regular season it is conceivable that Plum will average more than 10.0 points per game. The all-time leading scorer in women’s NCAA division 1 history, she was second all-time to Pete Maravich to hold the all time record, regardless of gender.

Despite being on a team with A’ja Wilson, Liz Cambage and Kayla McBride, there are enough shots to go around for all players to score 10 points or more regularly. This is especially true for Plum whose 3-point shot is crucial for spacing the floor for the Aces.

Assists

If Bill Laimbeer makes the smart play and keeps Plum at the point, she is going to have no issue getting the assist numbers. Plum has three regular season games with double-digit assists, including a career high 13 in her second year. These playoffs, Plum has 10 and then nine assists.

As she continues to develop her game in the pro’s, Plum will continue to have huge assist numbers, particularly if she plays with Wilson, Cambage, McBride and Dearica Hamby for any length of time. Not only are these four efficient on offense, they run the floor with an incredible intensity. Plum has shown she can find an open teammate, either in the half-court or in transition, from any part of the court.

Rebounds

This is the one statistic which is going to be the hardest for the 5’8″ guard to collect double figures in. However, when you watch Plum play you see such a high level of energy that anything is possible. She has a career high of nine rebounds against the Sparks last season.

Plum is a super talent and her game has changed noticably since she has turned pro. One thing is for sure, her energy and disruptive defense is going to help her rise to the elite of the game, which is where she belongs. There have only been eight regular season triple-doubles in WNBA history, nine including playoffs. Only Sheryl Swoopes has two triple-doubles, one of these was in the playoffs.

There are very few players who have the ability and the opportunity to get a triple-double. Plum has both moving forward with this team. The future is bright for Kelsey Plum and the Las Vegas Aces.

Advertisement