In a heated matchup last night in the burgeoning Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, star guard **Kelsey Plum** was ejected during Phantom BC’s hard-fought game against the Lunar Owls. The incident occurred in the third quarter when tensions boiled over amid a physical battle on the compact court.
Plum, known for her fiery competitiveness and nicknamed “Plum Dawg,” had been a dominant force early, pouring in points and setting up teammates with precise passes. However, a contentious play involving aggressive contact led to a flagrant foul call, escalating quickly into her ejection. Referees reviewed the sequence and deemed her actions unsportsmanlike, forcing the Phantom to finish the game shorthanded in their 3-on-3 format.
The ejection proved costly for Phantom BC, who struggled to maintain momentum without their leading scorer. The Lunar Owls capitalized on the advantage, pulling away in the final stretch for a convincing victory. Despite the loss, Plum’s pre-ejection performance highlighted her skill—showcasing the high-level talent Unrivaled aims to deliver during the WNBA offseason.
This isn’t Plum’s first brush with controversy in high-stakes games. Her history of intense play, including past flagrant calls in the WNBA while with the Los Angeles Sparks (formerly Las Vegas Aces), has sparked debates about physicality versus discipline. Fans on social media were divided: some called it a “tough but fair” call in a league emphasizing grit, while others argued the ejection disrupted the flow and robbed viewers of more Plum magic.
Unrivaled, co-founded by stars like Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, thrives on star power and fast-paced action. Plum’s ejection adds drama to the young league’s narrative, underscoring the fine line between passion and penalty. Phantom BC now looks to regroup, with Plum likely facing league review, as they prepare for upcoming contests.
The game served as a reminder of why fans tune in: elite athletes pushing limits in a fresh format. As Unrivaled grows, moments like this—electric, controversial, and unforgettable—define its appeal. (Word count: 312)
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