LAS VEGAS — Throughout the 2024 WNBA season, Becky Hammon has been on a quest for an edge.

The head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, who have won the WNBA championship for two consecutive years and are aiming for a historic three-peat, has been uncertain if her players are fatigued, unfocused, or lacking drive. No matter where she turned — locker room, practices, or even with the starters and bench players — she struggled to discover that elusive edge, often associated with intangible qualities.

Kelsey Plum, however, has taken that challenge to heart.

On Friday night in the Michelob ULTRA Arena, Plum made a statement by scoring 20 points while engaging with the crowd and playfully taunting the New York Liberty as the Aces avoided elimination. They triumphed in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinal series, 95-81, setting up a decisive Game 4 this Sunday in Las Vegas. Should the Aces secure a victory in that game, they will head back to New York for Game 5 on Tuesday.

For the Aces to create a win-or-go-home situation, Plum is sure to be at the center of it, likely relishing every minute.

Regarded as one of the finest trash talkers in professional basketball, regardless of gender, Plum thrives on the competitive banter, whether it’s from the audience or her opponents.

During the first match of this series, she playfully interacted with superfan Spike Lee, who was watching from courtside at Brooklyn’s Barclays Arena. Even in the midst of the game, where she scored 24 points despite the loss, Plum couldn’t help but challenge Lee to increase his cheers, taking joy in the playful rivalry. On Friday night, her enthusiasm was evident as she celebrated with a young fan clad in an Aces jersey.

After a tightly contested first half, the Aces led by a narrow margin of 53-49 at halftime. However, they exploded in the third quarter, dominating the Liberty 21-6, which included a stunning 16-0 scoring streak. Plum sank a three-pointer off an offensive rebound, elevating the score to 69-53 with 1:42 left in the third, and the crowd of 10,369 erupted in noise, making it feel like there were twice as many fans in attendance.

The Liberty struggled to regain control after that point. Following a timeout to halt their momentum, Courtney Vandersloot was penalized for traveling, and in her frustration over the call, received a technical foul for arguing with the referees. Plum capitalized with a free throw and followed up with a three-pointer, extending the lead to 73-53, which later ballooned to a staggering 25 points for the Aces.

“Their urgency and competitiveness disrupted our game,” commented New York coach Sandy Brondello. “They executed their game plan effectively.”

Jackie Young led the scoring with 24 points, while A’ja Wilson also made a significant impact with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Tiffany Hayes contributed with 11 points and was honored as the Sixth Woman of the Year earlier that day.

The Aces also excelled defensively, managing to keep Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu scoreless until the final quarter, where she ended with only four points. Breanna Stewart was New York’s leading scorer with 19 points.

Responding to a pregame remark by Hammon about hoping her guards would perform to their potential simultaneously, Chelsea Gray (10 points, 7 assists) expressed, “We were waiting for that, too!”

Plum, who consistently ranks second in shot attempts behind Wilson and often faces the team’s toughest perimeter defender, is a crucial player. If outside influences fail to ignite her team, Plum knows how to stir up her own excitement.

When asked after the game whether Hammon’s critique regarding the team’s lack of edge was unfair towards her, Plum offered an extensive response, emphasizing her relentless effort. She concluded, “So with all due respect, that didn’t really apply to me.”

Gray, sitting beside Plum, quipped, “OK” in a deadpan manner, prompting laughter from the room.

A short while later, Hammon joined her players in the press conference. Gray remarked that they were “talking about you,” which led to Plum clarifying to Hammon that the media had suggested she lacked an edge. Gray corrected her, exclaiming, “the team!” Plum quickly apologized for the mix-up as Hammon looked on, chuckling.

“You’re sharp as a razor!” Hammon remarked, causing more laughter in the room.

Having spent eight seasons coaching in the NBA, Hammon praised Plum as “incredibly competitive, one of the best competitors I’ve ever known, regardless of gender … she played exceptionally well tonight.”

Hammon reiterated her belief that the Aces discovered their edge during the last 10 games of the season, which has carried over into the playoffs. And with Plum, she noted, “that edge is always present.”

For the Aces, maintaining that edge is essential.