A’ja Wilson is focused on the job at hand rather than the buzz surrounding the return of former Las Vegas Aces teammate Kelsey Plum.
Plum, who spent six seasons with the Aces, was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks this summer and is set to make her first appearance back at Michelob Ultra Arena.
‘Excited’ A’ja Wilson Ready to Welcome Kelsey Plum Back to Vegas
Speaking to reporters ahead of the highly anticipated matchup, Wilson shared her excitement about Plum’s return, noting that the home crowd will be ready to give her “positive vibes.” But she also emphasized that for her, it’s just another game.
“I’m excited. I look forward to every game, but I’m excited to have KP back in the house,” Wilson said. “I know we’re gonna show her a lot of love. She won two championships here, so obviously we gonna give her everything we can—the energy and the positive vibes towards her.”
“She switched over from San Antonio to Vegas and welcomed me in.”
A’ja Wilson tells me she’s excited for the Aces to welcome back Kelsey Plum Friday night vs LA, saying she left a legacy of a ‘dog mentality’ in Vegas and that she’s ‘grateful to have been her teammate.’ @KTNV pic.twitter.com/KcTvcaKrOS
— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) May 27, 2025
Wilson added, “But it’s going to be another game. With the Aces and the Sparks, I always feel it will be a great game, so I am excited to play.”
Plum’s return to Las Vegas is expected to be emotional. She won two WNBA titles with the Aces but had a mixed season last year. This summer, she was part of a three-team trade that included the Seattle Storm and signed a one-year, $202,000 deal with the Sparks.
Plum has been productive in her new home, averaging a team-high 25.2 points and 5.5 assists per game. Despite her strong start, the Sparks are struggling early in the season, sitting in tenth place with a 2-4 record.
A’ja Wilson’s Dominant Start
Wilson comes into the new season as the reigning WNBA MVP after a historic campaign where she averaged 26.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. She has continued her dominant form, leading the Aces with 20.8 points and 10.8 rebounds through four games.
However, the Aces have also faced challenges early on. They currently sit seventh in the standings with a 2-2 record.
While the hype around Plum’s return is undeniable, Wilson is determined to keep the team focused on the bigger picture—winning basketball games. Both stars will look to make a statement when the Aces and Sparks clash in this marquee matchup.
For the Aces, it’s about getting back on track and defending their title. For Plum, it’s about proving herself in a new jersey while making the most of an emotional homecoming.
