Las Vegas ace point guard Chelsea Gray is more than just a “basic point guard.” She is the WNBA’s “point goddess” or ace. crowned her, “Point GAWDDDDD.”
The 11th overall pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft, she has emerged as a true star, an offensive threat on the court. She seems to visualize the next two or three moves before they happen (and certainly before her opponents know what to expect). Behind-the-basket pass? No problem. No-look dime outside the arc? Just a walk in the park.
“I try to stay calm in the storm, whether it’s the running game or anything else.” Gray explained after Game 2 Tuesday night: “It’s not always about me scoring goals or having assists to my name. The important thing is to call the right plays and keep everyone calm.”
Chelsea Gray and Ace are featured on the cover of WSLAM 3. Read the cover story here.
Her patience, her talent, and most importantly her creativity have allowed her to achieve the success she has. She is a nightmare to defend. Just ask the Dallas Wings. In Game 2 of the 2023 WNBA semifinals, CG was dialed in. There are few players in the league more fearsome than Las Vegas’ offensive orchestrator with the ball in his hands in the fourth quarter.
With the Aces up seven points and less than five minutes remaining, the “Point God” took control. The five-time WNBA All-Star was instrumental in 12 of Vegas’ last 18 points, six of which were free throws.
After scoring five straight points, Gray found a wide-open Jackie Young in the paint for an easy score.
Gray is no stranger to this discipline, having been a stalwart in it throughout her career, including the final six games of the 2022 postseason, where she averaged 22 points per game, scoring in double figures in two of them.
After the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup Championship, Hammon I got stressed Gray’s leadership is important not only as a player, but also as a decision maker.
“She’s a big part of what we do. She’s an extension of the coach. Hell, I’m her assistant. I always tell them, ‘If Chelsea calls something and I call something, you have to listen to Chelsea. So, if the manager calls something, you have to run it.'”
The current 2022 WNBA Finals MVP ranks seventh all-time in playoff assists, meaning she’ll likely eventually move up the rankings. She’s currently behind Brianne Generani and Candice Parker.
Until then, we’ll all be watching Gray play at his highest level. Salute you.
Action photos courtesy of Getty Images. Portrait by Atiba Jefferson.
