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As Kelsey Plum prepares to return to Las Vegas for the first time since joining the Los Angeles Sparks, fans are eager to see how she will perform against her former team. A two-time WNBA champion and one of the Aces’ biggest stars in recent years, Plum helped lead Las Vegas to dominance before her departure.
Now, she faces off against her former team, coached by Becky Hammon, in what promises to be an electrifying matchup. Hammon knows exactly what Plum is capable of, but she’s keeping her plan to stop her on the court Friday night a secret.
Becky Hammon Opens Up About Facing Former Star Kelsey Plum in Upcoming Aces Game
Hammon made it clear that while she has immense respect for Plum, once the game begins, it’s all about competition.
“Everybody knows I love Kelsey. You know, she helped us win two championships. She’s a beast of a competitor. I love her competitive drive. But now she comes in wearing a different uniform,” Hammon said during practice.
She added, “So I’m sure we’ll be doing something to honor her as we should. She’s earned that. But once we throw it up and it becomes those 40 minutes, she’s going to be barking at me. She’s going to be barking at everybody because that’s who she is.”
“She’s accomplished a lot while wearing and representing Las Vegas.”
Aces HC Becky Hammon and guard Chelsea Gray look forward to welcoming Kelsey Plum back Friday night vs LA but know the ‘beast of a competitor’ will come out after she’s honored. #ALLINLV pic.twitter.com/s6RlI0erKP
— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) May 27, 2025
Plum, a two-time WNBA champion, played a key role in the Aces’ success. In her final season with Las Vegas, she averaged 17.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game, but the Aces failed to capture a third-straight title.
More: ‘It’s Just Another Game’ – A’ja Wilson Gets Blunt on ‘Extra Motivation’ Facing Ex-Teammate Kelsey Plum
Since joining the Sparks, Plum has been even more impressive, posting 24.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game in her first five outings. Her talent on both ends of the floor makes her a serious threat in Friday night’s matchup.
These brief insights into her true feelings make it clear that the upcoming Aces vs. Sparks matchup on Friday will be a thrilling showdown. But the most entertaining aspect for fans may be the mental chess match between Hammon and her former guard.
