It’s no secret that 2024 was an off-year for Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray. The 32-year-old missed the first quarter of the season with a foot injury she suffered in the 2023 Finals, and her production was way down upon her return.
After averaging 15.3 points (on 49% shooting) and 7.3 assists in 2023, Gray averaged 8.6 points (on 40.8% shooting) and 4.9 assists in 2024.
As such, many speculated about whether Gray’s best days were behind her — and if that were the case, the Aces could be in trouble next season. Gray was the 2023 Finals MVP, and remains one of the team’s most important players despite the Aces still being one of the WNBA’s most talented rosters.
But, the last few weeks of Unrivaled play have been wildly encouraging for Gray, who is a member of the surging Rose Club. For one, Gray has been very durable; she’s played in all 13 of her team’s games.
But above that, her production has increased of late; she’s scored 26+ points in 6 of her last 7 games. As such, the Rose are 6-1 in their last 7 games and currently have the league’s second-best record at 7-5. For the season, Gray is the league’s fourth-leading scorer; she’s averaging 21.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game.
Gray’s hot stretch was punctuated by a 38-point, 8-rebound performance against the Mist. When the Rose upset the previously undefeated Lunar Owls, Gray led the way with 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. And, on Monday night against the Laces, the Rose clinched their spot in the playoffs thanks to another massive performance by Gray, who posted a 26-point, 7-assist, 5-rebound, 4-steal statline.
The veteran point guard has also elevated the play of Angel Reese, who has also had a strong debut season with Unrivaled. Reese is averaging 13 points and 12.3 rebounds per game this season.
A healthy Chelsea Gray could spell success for the Aces next year
Next season, the Aces will be without Kelsey Plum, who opted to join the Los Angeles Sparks this offseason. In her place, they acquired another long-tenured All-Star, Jewell Loyd. A’ja Wilson is fresh off of her third MVP season, and the Aces also have Jackie Young returning to help anchor the backcourt.
Still, Gray’s production will be critical as the Aces look to once again compete for a WNBA championship. Unrivaled is a full-court 3-on-3 league, and thus isn’t a perfect predictor of what 5-on-5 success in the WNBA will look like.
But, Gray’s body of work speaks for itself — and the fact that she’s back in such a good rhythm is a welcome sign for Las Vegas.
And, in the shorter term, Gray’s resurgence is a great sign for her Rose Club, who clinched a spot in the Unrivaled postseason.
“We started off a little rocky, I just said stay the course,” Gray said after hitting the game-winner Monday. “Every player comes in, gets extra work, we love to be together, just try to compete, get better in practice — and it’s showing out there on the court.”
