Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum didn’t hold back after sinking the game-winning shot against the Dallas Wings.
While many in the women’s basketball world were asleep on Wednesday night, the Sparks and Wings delivered an instant classic at Los Angeles’ home court.
Rookie Paige Bueckers stole headlines, pouring in a career-high 44 points—setting the highest single-game total in the WNBA this season and tying Cynthia Cooper’s 28-year-old record for most points by a first-year player, according to ESPN.
Despite Bueckers’ historic performance, the Wings fell short. The Sparks edged out an 81-80 victory, thanks to Plum’s clutch buzzer-beater.
With the clock winding down and her team trailing 79-80, Plum maneuvered around the three-point line, drove into the paint, and released a floater with just two seconds left. The ball banked off the backboard and dropped through the hoop as time expired, sealing the thrilling win.
Kelsey Plum’s Emphatic Defensive Statement After Game Winner Against Wings
Even though the Wings have dropped three straight games, lost eight of their last nine, and sit at a 9-27 record this season, their offense has been surprisingly effective lately—largely thanks to Bueckers, who has already established herself as one of the league’s top guards.
Dallas, however, was missing Bueckers’ key teammate, Arike Ogunbowale, who is sidelined with knee tendinitis. It’s possible that Arike’s absence contributed to Plum’s frustration after the game, which she made clear with a pointed message.
When a sideline reporter asked Plum postgame, “I know this is a playoff push. Nine-game season for you guys. How do you turn the page, and get ready for the next one?” she didn’t hold back:
“Yeah. We gotta play some f****** defense,” Plum said before walking off.
Plum has never been shy about speaking her mind, often making headlines for her candid comments. While her outspokenness has occasionally landed her in hot water—this remark could earn her a fine for using profanity on live TV—it has also earned her a loyal following among women’s basketball fans.
Currently, Plum’s Sparks are on the outside looking in for the 2025 WNBA playoffs, as only the top eight teams make it and they sit at ninth. Still, they’re just a half-game behind the Seattle Storm and have been showing strong play recently.
But Plum clearly isn’t satisfied. She believes the team must tighten up defensively if they hope to finish the season on a high note.
