The New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces kicked off round one of the WNBA Playoff Semifinal on September 29th. As this was a rematch of last year's WNBA Finals, fans were expecting fireworks from the two star-studded squads.
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Spike Lee Exchanges Words With Kelsey Plum in Game 1
During the matchup, noted basketball superfan and award-winning film director, Spike Lee got in on the action. Lee exchanged words with Aces starting point guard Kelsey Plum. Lee was very animated, out of his seat and pacing up the sideline to ensure that Plum heard what he was saying.
The Aces star eventually turned her back on the film direction to redirect her focus on the action on the court. However, Lee continued to jaw at her a little longer.
Kelsey Plum and Spike Lee exchanging words 👀🤝
pic.twitter.com/C0619kncAF— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) September 29, 2024
Social Media Reacts to Star's Exchange With Aces Player
Fans on social media had mixed reactions to Spike Lee's viral moment.
"It's not New York playoff basketball until Spike Lee starts trash-talking an opposing player. Today it is Kelsey Plum," one fan said on X, formally known as Twitter.
"Let's see him get tossed like other fans that heckle players," another fan added.
Lee also has a long history as a New York Knicks superfan and is no stranger to getting into verbal exchanges with players from the opposing team.
He famously antagonized Reggie Miller during the Indiana Pacers comeback win over the Knicks in the 1994 NBA Playoffs. Miller's choking gesture aimed at Lee has become one of the most notable photos in sports history.
Liberty Take Game 1
Thankfully for Lee and other New York Liberty fans, the Aces did not complete a similar comeback in game one. They were able to draw first blood against Las Vegas in an 87-77 victory on Sunday.
Former WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart led the charge for New York. She finished with 34 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. She outdueled the 2024 WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson who finished with a much more modest 21 points.
The Liberty will look to take a 2-0 lead over the Aces in Game 2 of the WNBA Semifinals on October 1.
