In Sunday afternoon’s New York Liberty win over the Las Vegas Aces, Aces star Kelsey Plum exchanged some phrases with movie director and producer Spike Lee. Lee, a New York Knicks superfan, will be sometimes discovered on the sidelines of Madison Sq. Backyard heckling opposing NBA gamers — however this time, he took middle stage at Barclay’s Middle.
Whereas he hasn’t been a longtime staple at WNBA video games, Spike Lee definitely made his presence recognized on Sunday afternoon, badgering Plum all afternoon. Regardless of the 87-77 Aces loss, the three-time All-Star had an amazing offensive outing — she led the Aces with 24 factors on 9-17 taking pictures, 12 of which got here within the third quarter outburst.
Plum took the back-and-forth in stride, joking about it postgame.
“I can’t say precisely what was mentioned, however I instructed him instructed that he ought to speak louder,” Plum mentioned with a smile.
“However, it was all properly and enjoyable, and it’s actually cool that he’s right here. Even final spherical, it was actually cool that he was right here. I do know he’s a giant sports activities fan, so it says lots that he’s within the constructing and that he respects the sport. So, I used to be simply having enjoyable.”
Sabrina Ionescu mentioned postgame that Spike Lee’s help for the Liberty has been a lot appreciated.
“He may need been the primary person who known as me once I bought drafted right here,” Ionescu revealed. “That’s a narrative that I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned, however he was the primary person who known as me when, and he simply shared his pleasure with New York getting the No. 1 decide. Each time I’ve seen him alongside the way in which, we’ve simply had small speak, and I saved telling him he’s bought to come back to a sport, as a result of that is sort of like no different.”
After her 36-point outing in Sport 2 of the primary spherical of the playoffs, Ionescu credited a Spike Lee high-five for the win:
“I felt like New York was simply injected into my veins at that second.”
Sabrina Ionescu: “Spike Lee gave me a excessive 5 … and I felt like New York was simply injected into my veins at that second. I used to be like, ‘We’re successful this.'” pic.twitter.com/bnevwhIz0Z
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) September 25, 2024
The Liberty have the No. 1 seed within the playoffs, and due to this fact they’ll have dwelling court docket the remainder of the way in which as they pursue a franchise-first NBA title. Lee will possible be courtside once more when the Liberty host the Aces for Sport 2 on Tuesday.
“To have the ability to see him right here, cheering on us, cheering us loud — he was over there chirping on the refs, speaking to the gamers, which was actually enjoyable,” Ionescu mentioned. “However, clearly it’s thrilling to see the help that we’re getting from New York followers. We’re making an attempt to deliver a championship this 12 months, and it takes a village.”
