Kelsey Plum's return delivered a message the rest of the WNBA didn't want to see

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Kelsey Plum's return delivered a message the rest of the WNBA didn't want to see originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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The Los Angeles Sparks lost on Friday night. But if anyone came away feeling encouraged after the final buzzer, it was Kelsey Plum. After missing three games with an ankle injury, the WNBA's leading scorer returned to the floor and immediately reminded everyone why she's been one of the league's most dominant players this season.

The scary part?

She looked like she never left.

Kelsey Plum wasted no time silencing any concerns

Whenever a star player returns from injury, there's always a question. Will there be rust? Will the rhythm be gone? Will it take time to get back to normal?

Plum answered all of those questions in a matter of minutes.

The Sparks guard poured in 27 points against the Dallas Wings, shooting 10-for-16 from the field while extending her streak of double-digit scoring performances.

Not bad for someone playing her first game in more than a week. Even in a 104-96 loss, Plum looked every bit like the player who entered the night leading the WNBA in scoring.

The stat that should worry every team

Here's the number that jumps off the page.

26.9.

That's Plum's scoring average through her first seven games this season.

Not A'ja Wilson.

Not Caitlin Clark.

Not Napheesa Collier.

Not Paige Bueckers.

Kelsey Plum.

The Sparks star has been the league's most prolific scorer, and Friday's performance suggested the ankle injury isn't about to slow her down. In fact, she may be getting stronger.

Dallas won the game, but Plum stole part of the spotlight

The Wings deserved the victory. Arike Ogunbowale erupted for 30 points. Paige Bueckers dished out a career-high 14 assists while continuing her Rookie of the Year campaign. Jessica Shepard posted a monster 22-point, 15-rebound performance.

Yet one of the biggest takeaways from the game had nothing to do with Dallas. It was the fact that Plum immediately returned to elite form. For a Sparks team trying to climb back into the playoff picture, that's enormous news.

Los Angeles dropped to 4-6 on the season, but Friday's game offered something almost as valuable as a win. Proof that its franchise centerpiece is still playing at an All-WNBA level.

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Why this changes the outlook for Los Angeles

The Sparks have battled injuries and inconsistency throughout the opening month. When Plum missed time, it became painfully obvious how much offensive responsibility she carries. That's what makes Friday's return so significant.

The offense instantly looked more dangerous. The pace improved. The shot creation returned. And perhaps most importantly, the confidence was back.

Los Angeles still has work to do after falling below .500, but the formula remains simple. As long as Plum is healthy, the Sparks have a chance.

The warning sign nobody should ignore

The WNBA's leading scorer just returned from injury and immediately dropped 27 points. That's the headline. Everything else comes second.

The Wings may have walked away with the win, but the rest of the league walked away with a reminder. Kelsey Plum is still one of the most dangerous offensive players in basketball. And after what she showed Friday night, opponents might have a new problem.

The version of Plum everyone feared before the injury appears to be back already.

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