Horrible injury: It’s unbelievable that she experiences constant agony as a seatle storm player.
LAS VEGAS Point guard Chelsea Gray, who missed the first 12 games of the season, required just 20 seconds to register her first assist as the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Seattle Storm 94-83 on Wednesday night to celebrate her return.
With 1:41 left in the first quarter, Gray checked in for the first time, and the Michelob Ultra Arena audience gave him a standing ovation.
Five-time All-Star Gray last participated in the 2023 WNBA Finals on October 15, although she was forced to leave the game in the fourth quarter due to a left foot injury. Then, she was absent from Game 4, as Las Vegas defeated New York to win the WNBA title for the second time in a row.
With 1:21 remaining in the first quarter, Alysha Clark made a 3-pointer from the wing to give the Aces a 26-13 lead. This was Gray’s first official assist of the 2024 season. Gray became the ninth player in WNBA history to record her 1,500th assist of the season.
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Gray left the field to meet her son and wife, who were celebrating her comeback, after the game.
“I probably went through every emotion leading up to today,” Gray stated. “I had some anxiety during the day. I haven’t been on that court in a very long time. However, from the moment I arrived to warm up until I checked in for the game, the fans were incredible. It was an exhilaration and a sensation I long for.”
Gray, who is currently in her tenth WNBA season, has a lifetime average of 12.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. She helped the Aces win back-to-back championships the previous season with averages of 15.3 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds.
Until Gray’s comeback on Wednesday night, the Aces had dropped their previous five games.
The noise from the stadium when Gray returned “felt like my heart,” according to Aces coach Becky Hammon. “She is our team’s leader. I also think she did a fantastic job.”
