The WNBA world is buzzing with controversy following a reported taunt by Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum directed at Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark after the Fever announced on May 26, 2025, that Clark would miss at least two weeks due to a left quadriceps strain. The injury, which sidelines the reigning Rookie of the Year and MVP candidate, marks the first time Clark will miss regular-season games since her high school days. While the basketball community rallied around Clark, Plum’s alleged mockery has ignited a firestorm, raising questions about sportsmanship and intensifying the rivalry between two of the league’s brightest stars.
Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has been a transformative force for the Fever, averaging 19.0 points and a league-leading 9.3 assists per game in the first four games of the 2025 season. Her dynamic playmaking and long-range shooting have drawn comparisons to the game’s greats, but her injury—a lingering issue from the preseason—has forced Indiana to rethink their strategy as they face a tough stretch, starting with a matchup against the Washington Mystics. The Fever, who bolstered their roster with veterans like Natasha Howard and DeWanna Bonner, now rely on depth to stay competitive without their star point guard.
Enter Kelsey Plum, the former Las Vegas Aces star who joined the Sparks in a blockbuster offseason move. Plum, who Clark surpassed for the NCAA women’s career scoring record in February 2024, reportedly made a pointed comment about Clark’s injury during a post-game interview, though specific details remain murky. Sources suggest Plum’s remarks were perceived as dismissive, with some interpreting them as a jab at Clark’s durability. The comment, whether intentional or not, has sparked backlash from Fever fans and Clark supporters, who flooded social media with criticism, accusing Plum of lacking class. “Kelsey Plum should know better—taking shots at an injured player is low,” one fan posted on X.
This isn’t the first time Plum and Clark have been linked. Their competitive history dates back to Clark breaking Plum’s NCAA scoring record, a milestone that fueled speculation about a budding rivalry. Plum, now a key piece of the Sparks’ rebuild, is coming off a historic season-opener, tying the WNBA record for most points in a debut game. Her performance has positioned her as a dark horse MVP candidate, but her alleged comments about Clark threaten to overshadow her on-court success.
The Fever, meanwhile, are leaning on veterans like Kelsey Mitchell and Sydney Colson to fill the void left by Clark. Coach Stephanie White emphasized resilience, stating, “We’ve got depth, and we’ll adapt.” But Plum’s taunt has added an emotional edge to the narrative, with fans eagerly awaiting Clark’s return to see how she responds. As the WNBA continues to grow, fueled by stars like Clark and Plum, this incident underscores the fine line between competitive fire and crossing into unsportsmanlike territory. Will this spark a new chapter in their rivalry? Only time will tell.
