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Kelsey Plum is often classified as a “dirty” WNBA player. However, the Los Angeles Sparks point guard deserves just as much praise for her altruistic behavior as she does criticism for her mischievousness.
It is something of a Jekyll and Hyde situation!
The nine-year WNBA veteran is not going to please everybody. She does not apologize for who she is.
Kelsey Plum’s latest trick was obvious.
Plum was called for a bizarre flagrant foul against the Golden State Valkyries. There is simply no way to deny that she committed an act of violence on purpose.
That phrase, “act of violence,” might sound way more serious than it is but that is technically what happened.
The Valkyries ultimately defeated the Sparks by 13 points. They were winning by 15 with just under four minutes to play. They also had possession.
In that moment, Kelsey Plum randomly decided to sweep the leg on Veronica Burton — just like Johnny Lawrence in the Karate Kid.
She absolutely did not go for the ball. No attempt was made to play defense.
Plum either tried (and failed) to draw a foul or let her frustrations get the best of her and lashed out.
Kelsey Plum wtf was that kick???????👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/wO52Wg2qbN
— AK (@Sudharsan_AK10) August 10, 2025
Regardless of her intentions, it was a dirty play. WNBA fans were furious. Especially because Plum has a history of this kind of thing. For example:
She plays with her emotions on her sleeve, for better or for worse.
This latest occurrence is not just a one-off incident.
She is an instigator!
All of this goes to say that Kelsey Plum is often involved in WNBA drama.
It is not all bad!
Even though she is often subject to criticism because of how she acts on (and off) the court, Plum is just as much of an ally as she is a menace. The 30-year-old point guard is beloved by her teammates, both past and present.
There is a mutual respect amongst her peers.
She always makes sure to show love to the fans.
Kelsey Plum’s most recent “controversy” took place just 24 hours after she showed her true character. She pulled a classy gesture of good faith to ensure Aneesah Morrow could check out of the game with an injury.
The officials did not stop play. Morrow was clearly in pain.
Plum decided to commit a lane violation on the jump ball to force a dead ball. That allowed her opponent to get the medical help she needed.
It is a very little thing that went largely unnoticed. Kelsey Plum is one of the most disliked players in the WNBA because she is constantly involved in some kind of on-court dispute. And yet, she is constantly looking out for others when she is not talking smack or committing a flagrant foul. Jekyll and Hyde.