Kelsey Plum is fed up of the WNBA officiating, and she’s not afraid to say it, even if it costs her.
Following the Los Angeles Sparks’ 89-81 overtime loss to the Golden State Valkyries. The veteran guard unloaded on WNBA referees in a passionate postgame rant. Despite scoring a game-high 24 points, Plum was furious about only being awarded six free throws despite constant drives to the rim and repeated contact.
“I’m going to get fined for saying this, but I drive more than anyone in the league, so to shoot six free throws is f—– absurd,” Plum said. “I got scratches on my face. I got scratches on my body. And these guards on the other team get these ticky-tack fouls, and I’m sick of it.”
Sparks Struggles Continue, Frustration Boils Over
The Sparks dropped to 3-7 with the loss, and the frustration seems to be mounting. Not just in the locker room but on the court. Plum’s outburst comes as the Sparks continue to search for consistency without much offensive help outside their core players.
The 30-year-old guard highlighted that Rickea Jackson also gets routinely hammered in the post without calls. And she’s run out of patience with the discrepancy.
“There’s multiple shots at the end of the game where they’re just coming in swinging,” Plum added. “And they just don’t call anything. I don’t understand how that’s six free throws playing 40 minutes and touching the paint constantly.”
Stats Back Up Plum’s Case
Kelsey Plum ranks 10th in the WNBA in points in the paint (6.2 per game), and despite her aggressive playing style. She’s only attempted double-digit free throws in two games all season. Her 22.4% free throw point percentage ranks 7th in the league, yet officials are keeping their whistles silent far too often for her liking.
Even though teammate Dearica Hamby led the Sparks with nine free throw attempts. Plum’s six were matched by Azura Stevens and trailed Valkyries guard Veronica Burton, who had eight.
Kelsey Plum Ready to Pay the Price for Speaking Up
Plum’s frustration was raw and personal:
“I talk to the refs nice. I pray before the game. Like, f—, I’m over it.”
Whether the league fines her or not, Plum’s message is clear, WNBA officiating needs to be held accountable. And she’s willing to be the voice for change, even if it comes at a cost.
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