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WNBA Star Kelsey Plum Remembers Time Diana Taurasi 'Nails' Her In the Gut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Madz Dizon | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 12:07 PM ET

During ESPN’s “Never Have I Ever” segment at this year’s WNBA All-Star Weekend, Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum shared a story that had the room laughing — but the lesson behind it stuck with her for years.

Plum looked back on her rookie season when WNBA legend Diana Taurasi gave her a not-so-friendly welcome to the league.

“She was like, ‘Pummy, how’s the fam?’ It was a dead ball, and I thought, ‘Wow, she’s being so nice,’” Plum said. “Then the ball gets checked in — she nails me in the gut, steps on my foot, comes off a pin down, hits a three, and blows me a kiss.”

The story drew big laughs from host Ari Chambers, who said, “No way, bro.”

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A post shared by Arielle (Ari) Chambers (@ariivory)

But Plum’s memory isn’t just about a funny moment; it’s about respect. She and Taurasi have a long-standing bond that goes beyond competition. They played together for Team USA, winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Plum has often called Taurasi a mentor and said she was inspired by her confidence as early as age 10, when she first watched her play at UConn.

Taurasi, who retired earlier this year, left behind a legacy that deeply shaped Plum’s own journey. Though they’ve had fierce matchups, including a well-known 2023 foul where Taurasi caught Plum with an elbow, their connection has always stayed strong.

Plum has said before that Taurasi taught her not just how to compete, but how to lead and laugh through the pressure.

From rookie growing pains to Olympic gold, and now as a veteran voice in the WNBA, Plum’s journey has been shaped by moments like the one with Taurasi. And while getting “nailed in the gut” might not have felt great at the time, Plum looks back with humor and a whole lot of respect.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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