A successful comeback to the basketball court.
The Las Vegas Aces, who are the current champions of the WNBA, were thrilled to achieve a win against the strong Seattle Storm. This victory was especially memorable because it signified the comeback of their top point guard, Chelsea Gray. The 31-year-old finally returned to play in the current season after healing from a left foot injury she suffered in the previous WNBA Finals. The crowd’s anticipation was tangible as Gray entered the court, eager to see her well-known basketball skills in action once more.
Creating a swift influence
The Las Vegas crowd warmly welcomed Chelsea Gray back, and she quickly showed her value. During the critical fourth quarter, Gray demonstrated her unique talent for making plays while the Aces maintained a 12-point lead. She passed a smooth assist to Tiffany Hayes, who smoothly made a layup, causing cheers from the 10,380 fans present.
During the entire night, Gray’s performance was simply amazing. During the game, Head coach Becky Hammon gave her 16 minutes on the court, where she managed to achieve 7 assists, 4 defensive rebounds, and 2 blocks. This remarkable performance garnered admiration from both fans and teammates.
Drawing Comparisons to an NBA Legend
Chelsea Gray’s exceptional performance led fans to draw comparisons to NBA star Chris Paul, often referred to as the “Point God.” Known for his leadership in assists, Paul has been an NBA assists leader five times. Fans couldn’t help but notice the similarities, with one commenting, “Chelsea Gray is just the WNBA version of Chris Paul.”
Droppin’ dimes like it’s laundry day 🤭
Chelsea Gray with another slick assist, this time to Tiffany Hayes
📲 Storm-Aces on League Pass pic.twitter.com/UlMszbMu3F
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 20, 2024
Gray’s absence was felt keenly by the Aces and their supporters. She had not played since the 2022 WNBA Finals, where she recorded her 340th career assist. Seeing her back on the court after 247 days was a relief for many fans, with one expressing, “I’ve missed Chelsea Gray’s bounce passes.”
Chemistry on the Court
Gray’s return also highlighted her excellent chemistry with her teammates. Alysha Clark connected with Gray immediately, sinking a beautiful 24-foot three-point jumper off an assist from Gray. The duo continued to combine effectively throughout the game, much to the delight of the fans. One fan noted, “This Alysha Clark/Chelsea Gray duo is something special.”
Boosting Team Performance
The Aces had been struggling defensively, allowing 104.2 points per 100 possessions, placing them 10th overall in the league. Analysts cited Gray’s absence as a significant factor in the team’s slow start. Her return has not only bolstered the team’s performance but also provided a morale boost for their passionate supporters. One fan remarked, “It is SO healing to see Chelsea Gray back on the court and playing well.”
Gray’s assists, particularly the one to Tiffany Hayes, quickly gained traction among fans. The nature of her passes compelled fans to share their excitement using hilarious GIFs and comments. One fan humorously noted, “That last Chelsea Gray pass tho.”