Chelsea Gray is the point-gawd that the Las Vegas Aces have been missing for years. Las Vegas found themselves on the other end of the broom in last year’s finals as they lost to the Seattle Storm (3-0).
During the 2020 offseason, the team lost Kayla McBride but signed Gray which was a huge addition. Similar to last season, Las Vegas is off to a quick start as they are 14-4 and first in the league. Currently, the Aces are on a four-game winning streak.
Las Vegas Aces: The Offseason
Although Las Vegas made it to the finals last season, they are still hungry for more. Oftentimes, teams that lose in the championship struggle the next season.
Clearly, it’s too early to tell but the addition of Gray puts this team in another bracket. The Duke product can run the offense, finish in late-game situations, or make the correct basketball play.
In the past, Las Vegas struggled to finish in late-game situations when A’ja Wilson or Liz Cambage were double-teamed, in foul trouble, or struggling from the field.
Gray provides this team with a floor general that can get everyone to their sweet spot. Not to mention she can lock in on the defensive end.
Ball movement 👏@cgray209 // @_ajawilson22 // @JackieYoung3 #ALLIN ♦️♠️ pic.twitter.com/FRdp87qu4T
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) July 4, 2021
The Book of Gray
As of now, Gray is averaging 11.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 3 rebounds, while shooting 36.8 percent from the three-point line. Her game complements Cambage, and Wilson in the pick-and-roll because of her ability to dish it or score.
In addition to the frontcourt, she helps Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Dearica Hamby in the half-court. Last season the team missed Plum’s floor spacing and combo guard ability which forced players to play out of their normal.
Now that the team has Plum back in the line-up and Gray at the helm it takes the pressure off of Young to be one of the primary ball-handlers.
Even though Seattle is still the favorite to repeat; the addition of Gray provides the Aces with another gear on the floor. The 5’11 guard is an extension of head coach Bill Laimbeer on the floor.
With plenty of games to go the Aces: have a chance to get over the hump with their new floor general who is also a one-time champion (Los Angeles Sparks).
Las Vegas plays again Wednesday at 10 pm against the Phoenix Mercury.
As the 2021 season continues to unfold, follow me on Twitter @ZackeryRogers13 for more WNBA content.
