1 month ago
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Kelsey Plum left fans enraged on Saturday night as she tripped an opponent during the Sparks' loss to the Valkyries.
Plum was guarding Golden State's Veronica Burton late in the fourth quarter, with the latter dribbling the ball at the top of the three-point arc when she tried to get past Plum.
However, Burton was brought to the ground as Plum kicked out and caught her on the ankle.
Plum, who also went to the ground in the moment, was then confronted by Burton - who walked over to the Sparks star and put her hands in the air before teammates stepped in to separate them.
And while fourth-year player Burton was not seriously hurt in the incident, fans online criticized Plum for her 'dirty' actions.
'Kelsey Plum is the f***ing worst. Hope V is okay,' one said on X.
Kelsey Plum earned a flagrant-one foul for a trip on Veronica Burton on Saturday
Burton briefly confronted Plum after the trip before the pair were separated by teammates
Plum had a down night as she scored just four points against the Valkyries in a loss
'Kelsey Plum can't keep up as well as she used to so she's becoming a dirty player to cope with it,' a second added.
'Kelsey Plum gets more irritating weekly in the court,' a third said.
And a fourth compared her another controversial basketball player, saying: 'Kelsey Plum been doing a great Draymond [Green] impression this year.'
Plum also caused controversy last month when she barreled over Lexie Hull and stepped over her during a game against the Fever.
Following Saturday's game, Plum's coach, Lynne Roberts, defended her player against claims she was 'dirty' and said the trip was unintentional.
'She was trying to kick the ball,' Roberts told reporters.
'She didn't mean to [trip Burton]. I saw it live, but I didn't see the replay so I don't really know how it all shook out. But I know she was trying to kick the ball. She's not a dirty player.'
Ultimately, Plum received a flagrant one foul for her trip of Burton, avoiding ejection as her team went on to lose 72-59.
The four-time All-Star had a down night as she finished with just four points on 1-of-9 shooting.
Nonetheless, Plum is having a strong season as she's averaging 19.8 points per contest and 6.1 assists.
The Sparks fell to 14-16 on the season with their loss on Saturday.
