Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum earned a flagrant foul (type 1) during Saturday's game against Golden State for kicking an opposing player.
It happened with 3:51 remaining in the fourth quarter as the Valkyries held a 68-53 lead. Plum was defending Valkyries guard Veronica Burton near half court. As Plum tried to block her path, Burton pushed her off with her left arm (which was not called) to give herself space. As Burton tried to dribble to her right, Plum kicked with her left leg, getting Burton in the shin below her right knee and causing them both to fall to the court. The officials blew the whistle immediately to call Plum with a personal foul.
Burton got up and had some comments for Plum while she was still down on the ground, making it clear she did not like being kicked. Burton's Valkyries teammates stepped in before things escalated further.
Kelsey Plum got a flagrant foul for karate kicking somebody ðŸ˜pic.twitter.com/VlO7Z8gBGp
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) August 10, 2025
Plum did appear to be a bit frustrated while defending Burton. The referees reviewed the play and felt that it was an intentional kick by Plum, so they upgraded the call to a flagrant 1 foul. In basketball, it's not a good look to kick your opponent. Plum does not have the reputation of a dirty player, but this incident will not help that perception.
Plum finished with 4 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Meanwhile, Burton got the last laugh as she led the Valkyries with 16 points (along with 5 assists and 5 rebounds) as they beat the Sparks 72-59.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports).
