Chelsea Gray Shines as Aces Reach WNBA Finals with Overtime Win

Las Vegas, NV — Chelsea Gray led the Las Vegas Aces to a thrilling 107-98 victory over the Indiana Fever in Game 5 of the WNBA semifinals, securing their spot in the Finals. The game took place on Tuesday at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

Fans held their breath when Gray appeared to suffer a serious ankle injury in the third quarter, reminiscent of her injury during the 2023 Finals. After being stepped on by Odyssey Sims, Gray limped off the court, raising concerns. However, she returned to play and finished with 17 points, including eight in the overtime period.

“I’m good. I’m good,” Gray said after the match, calming fears of another major injury. Losing her could have been a significant setback for the Aces, who rely heavily on her performance.

In the second half, Gray struggled with her shooting but found her rhythm when it mattered most. A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young also shined, with Young and Wilson scoring 30 and 35 points, respectively, becoming the first duo in WNBA playoff history to achieve that feat in a single game.

Coach Becky Hammon acknowledged Gray’s contributions, stating that her determination inspired the whole team. “When the lights were brightest and the pressure at its peak, she showed exactly who she is,” Hammon said.

The Aces faced adversity earlier in the season, showing signs of struggle with a .500 record and a surprising loss to the Minnesota Lynx. However, a pivotal moment came when Wilson urged her teammates to take pride and transform their approach.

Reflecting on their journey, Gray highlighted a key takeaway: “Trust the process. You just don’t really know what you don’t know. And so us going through that prepared us for something bigger.”

The Aces will now face the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals, aiming for a championship after a season filled with challenges and triumphs.