Las Vegas Aces point guard Chelsea Gray is more than just a “basic point guard”. She is the WNBA’s “Point God” or as the Aces have crowned her, “Point GAWDDDDD.”
The eleventh overall selection in the 2014 WNBA Draft has emerged into a bonafide star and an offensive threat on the floor. She seemingly visualizes her next two or three moves before they even happen (and definitely before opponents know what to expect). Behind the back pass from behind the basket? No problem. No-look dime from outside the arc? Walk in the park.
“I try to be that calm within the storm, whether it is a game of runs or in different quarters,” Gray explained after Game 2 on Tuesday night. “It is not always me scoring, or getting assists to my name, it’s calling the right plays and calming everyone down.”
Chelsea Gray and the Aces starred on the cover of WSLAM 3. Read the cover story here.
Her patience, flare, and most importantly her creativity have allowed her to reach the success she has had so far. It 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 in the League that are more terrifying with the ball in their hands in the fourth quarter than Las Vegas’ offensive orchestrator.
With the Aces up by seven with just under five to play, the “Point Gawd” herself took over. The five-time WNBA All-Star played a major role in 12 of Vegas’ final 18 points, six of which were free throws.
After accumulating five straight points herself, Gray found a wide-open Jackie Young in the paint for an easy score.
Gray isn’t just new to this, she’s stayed true to this her entire career, including in the final six contests of the 2022 postseason, where she averaged over 22 points per game while dishing out double-digit dimes in two of those matchups.
At the conclusion of the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup Championship, Hammon stressed the importance of Gray’s leadership—not just as player, but the one calling the shots.
“She’s a huge part of what we do. She is the extension of the coach out there. Hell, I’m her assistant. I tell them all the time, ‘If Chelsea calls something and I call something, you listen to Chelsea. So, when the head coach calls something, you run it.’”
As it stands, the 2022 WNBA Finals MVP is seventh all-time in playoff assists, which means that she’s well on her way to eventually climb the rankings—she’s currently behind both Briann January and Candace Parker.
Until then, we’re all witnessing Gray play the game at the highest level. Salute.
Action photo via Getty Images. Portraits by Atiba Jefferson.
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