Who knew an almost on-court crash could turn into one of the most heartwarming scenes of the 2026 WNBA season?
In only her second game for the Phoenix Mercury after a controversial trade, Kelsey Plum was back to making headlines. But this time, it’s not for her clutch three-pointer that previously sealed the deal for her new team in her earlier game.
While attempting to save a loose ball near the sidelines during the Mercury vs. Atlanta Dream game on August 5, 2026, Plum accidentally crashed into Dream head coach Karl Smesko’s arms. In the fourth quarter, Plum was attempting to receive the ball on a fast break when she ran out of room. She then had to bear-hug the Atlanta coach to check her momentum and avoid colliding with the sideline.
The surprising mid-game embrace quickly went viral. Neither the broadcast team nor the online fans could ignore it.
Commentators jokingly referred to the cinematic-looking catch in the WNBA-shared video as a “love story,” claiming that Plum had “jumped right into his arms.” They cheekily noted that the coach most definitely lifts weights to make such a clean catch.
The league also jumped into the humor, with the caption: “KP just wanted a hug mid-game 🤣 Plum hustled up court and couldn’t get the ball, so she got a hug from Coach Smesko instead.”
Fans in the comments noted, “Honestly sometimes you just need a timeout vibe check when the fast break doesn’t go your way. Wholesome WNBA content right there.”
Others simply shared GIFs of the iconic final dance to (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life from the movie Dirty Dancing, in which Patrick Swayze tries to catch and lift Jennifer Gray.
— Kerry French (@KFrenchy5) August 6, 2026
The play occurred in the fourth quarter, with 7:52 remaining and Phoenix behind by 16 points (84-68). A wayward throw had deflected close to the sideline, and Plum was working hard to get it. Fortunately, Coach Smesko stopped her before she crashed into the Atlanta players’ bench.
Everyone laughed while Smesko looked embarrassed, but the embarrassment soon turned into joy as his team thrashed Phoenix 96-82 for its sixth victory in seven games. The Dream climbed to 19-11, while the Mercury dropped to 12-20.
Meanwhile, Plum ended with 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting, five rebounds, and four assists in her first start for Phoenix. Sadly, her intensity couldn’t save the game for the Mercury.
Plum shouldn’t let this outcome beat her down. After the huge midseason trade from the Los Angeles Sparks on August 1, 2026, this is only her second game wearing a Phoenix uniform.
In fact, she had a better debut for her new team when she finished with 20 points, one rebound, and four assists during Phoenix’s 106-101 win over the Chicago Sky. With 53.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter, she made the game’s greatest shot – a crucial, game-winning three-pointer to seal the victory.
On the other hand, the Dream recovered from a crushing defeat by the Las Vegas Aces in their game against the Mercury on Wednesday. Angel Reese scored 23 points in a double-double, but the Aces defeated Atlanta 109-87.
Atlanta’s five-game winning streak came to an end with that defeat. But with Rhyne Howard’s 23 points and Allisha Gray’s 20 points driving the victory and Reese recording her 21st double-double of the year, the Dream has now risen to fourth position in the rankings.
The Mercury, however, are currently 12-20 and ninth in the league rankings as a result of this defeat. They will be looking to win their next game against the Connecticut Sun. With Plum on their side now, they need to push their chances to get back on their winning streak.
