Kelsey Plum: Exciting Return to Las Vegas and Clash with the Aces

Kelsey Plum Returns to Las Vegas: An Exciting Encounter

Las Vegas witnessed an emotional reunion at the Michelob Ultra Arena, where fans welcomed Kelsey Plum, with signs proclaiming “Once an Ace, always an Ace.” The player, visibly moved, greeted the fans and embraced her former teammate A’ja Wilson before the game.

This was Plum’s first meeting in Las Vegas since her trade to Los Angeles in a three-team move, which brought Jewell Loyd to the Aces.

It’s going to be great to compete against them. I’ve been on their team for so long. I feel like we know each other really well. It’s really going to be a battle of wits.
Kelsey Plum

Plum was a key piece in the 2022 and 2023 WNBA championships, achievements that marked the first repeat by a team since the Sparks in 2001 and 2002. Despite being an All-Star in the last three seasons, the Aces are now Wilson’s team. In Los Angeles, Plum takes on a leading role, leading the Sparks.

Before the game, Plum averaged 25.2 points per game, only surpassed by Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier.

Kelsey Plum: Exciting Return to Las Vegas and Clash with the Aces — Fan Bruce Tiebout muestra carteles para la ex jugadora de Las Vegas, Kelsey Plum, antes del partido del viernes entre las Aces y Los Angeles Sparks en el Michelob Ultra Arena en Las Vegas. Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Plum, however, prefers to focus on the game and the team’s success, beyond being the face of the franchise. “I’m trying to win games and affect the victory. We still have to do it at a high level, so that’s where my focus really is more than anything,” he stated.

The Sparks are relying on their experience to reach a new level. With a 2-4 record before the match, they are looking to get back on the winning track, something they haven’t achieved since the COVID-19 shortened season in 2020.

She has won everywhere she has been. She was a key part of Vegas’ success… She is ready for that point in her career, and she has earned it.
Lynne Roberts, Sparks coach

For Plum, the immediate priority was to defeat her former team, although she doesn’t consider the rivalry between both teams, separated by only a four-hour drive, to be established yet.

We got our butts kicked. We would need to win at least six or seven more matchups, respectfully, for it to be a rivalry. It’s like the Giants and the Jets.
Kelsey Plum