League: WNBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Kelsey Plum has humorous encounter with coach Karl Smesko during game

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 3:30 AM

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

Kelsey Plum has humorous encounter with coach Karl Smesko during game

Summary

Phoenix Mercury guard Kelsey Plum had a light-hearted moment with Atlanta Dream coach Karl Smesko during their game on August 5, 2026. In the fourth quarter, Plum attempted to catch a ball on a fast break but instead hugged Smesko to avoid crashing on the sideline. The game was competitive, with the Dream leading significantly. Atlanta secured a win over Phoenix, 96-82, marking the Dream's sixth victory in seven games, while the Mercury fell to 12-20 this season. Plum finished with 19 points in her first start for Phoenix. The Mercury are set to play the Connecticut Sun on August 7, 2026.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Plum scored 19 points for the Mercury.
•Smesko appeared embarrassed but laughed off the moment.
•The Dream improved to 19-11 with the victory.
•Plum had a strong debut earlier this week against the Sky.
•The Mercury will play the Connecticut Sun next.

Latest Updates

3:30 AMYahoo Sports — WNBA Broadcast Couldn’t Ignore What Happened Between Kelsey Plum & Karl Smesko During Atlanta Dream’s Game vs Phoenix Mercury
1:26 AMYahoo Sports — Mercury’s Kelsey Plum catches Dream’s Karl Smesko in a fast-break bear hug

What they're saying

"
Kelsey Plum is going viral for the second time in as many games for the Phoenix Mercury. The first was a clutch, go-ahead three-pointer with 53.
— Yahoo Sports