Kelsey Plum doesn’t like to lose, not even a crossover. The fierce competitor had an ugly moment in a game against the Golden State Valkyries, and fans demanded suspension for the former Aces’ guard.
But the LA Sparks’ head coach, Lynne Roberts, showed her support for the star and dismissed the possibility of suspension. Although the veteran guard’s defensive play was heavily criticized by many, the coach tried to avoid further escalations.
Lynn Roberts Backs Kelsey Plum After ‘Dirty Play’
The controversial moment came in the fourth quarter, with the hosts, Valkyries, looking in control of the game. Burton tried to run down the clock, with the four-time All-Star defending her closely. In the dying seconds, the three-year veteran managed to send her defender on the wrong side and advance for a layup.
But Plum tried to stop the play, raising her left leg, which tripped Burton. As she fell on the court, fans booed the defender and later called for strict action against her for the unnecessary challenge. With Plum’s outspoken public image, there was certainly fear of losing her for a few games. The officials whistled for a flagrant one-foul. Reacting to the same, HC Lynne Roberts defended her player in the presser.
“The flagrant, she was trying to kick the ball. She didn’t mean to — I didn’t see the replay, but I saw it live, and I know she didn’t mean anything by it. She’s not a dirty player,” Roberts said in the postgame interview.
Kelsey Plum wtf was that kick???????👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/wO52Wg2qbN
— AK (@Sudharsan_AK10) August 10, 2025
The Sparks’ team performed poorly offensively, with Plum limited to just four points. The team also had its worst scoring night, which was quite frustrating for the players. Burton had a high-scoring night and reacted to the foul call.
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Veronica Burton Reacts To Kelsey Plum’s Flagrant Foul
When Valk’s guard fell to the ground, she quickly got up and gave her offender an earful. It was rather an uncharacteristic reaction from the normally calm player. While it seemed like a fight might break out, both players were separated quickly. Burton quickly moved towards her bench, hearing the referee’s whistle, and tried to catch her breath.
“Yeah, I don’t know. I think, obviously, it’s just part of the game. It got called a flagrant, so we just move on from there,” Burton told reporters after the game.
There are no further details about a possible upgrade of Plum’s foul as of now. The sides continue to prepare and compete for the limited playoff spots in the 2025 season.