A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray combined for 59 points (19-33 shooting), grabbed 14 rebounds, and dished out six assists in Thursday night’s Game 3 win over the Indiana Fever.
A’ja Wilson (photo courtesy Yahoo!)
Aces star A’ja Wilson scored 36 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, leading the Aces to a 94-83 win over the Indiana Fever in the decisive Game 3 of the first-round series on Thursday night at Michelob Ultra Arena. The four-time WNBA MVP averaged 32 points in this series.
Chelsea Gray (Photo courtesy of Picks by Angel on X)
But know this: The Aces don’t advance to the semifinals without Chelsea Gray scoring 11 of her 23 points in the fourth quarter, along with five assists and four rebounds.
–When the Aces needed her for a big shot, she delivered.
–When they needed her for free throws, she hit them.
–When they needed a stop, she came through.
To think she had so much left in the tank to play 40 minutes without a rest.
Gray hinted at what was coming when she hit a jumper after Caitlin Clark cut the deficit to 68-64. The Fever went on a 9-1 run, and they were in a position to tie the game. The point guard’s shot gave the home team a few minutes to exhale.
The Aces point guard finished her night hitting two free throws, giving the Aces a comfortable 90-83 lead that they would not relinquish. Gray was part of the Aces’ 12-3 run to finish the game.
She is called “Point Gawd” for a reason. She is wired to play in decisive moments. Wilson needs contributing teammates, and that is where Gray comes in. She’s the facilitator.
Watching Gray and Wilson play in this series reminds me of what John Stockton and Karl Malone did in their heyday with the Utah Jazz. Their great nonverbal chemistry was noticeable, and it helped them play off each other. Wilson and Gray are the same way.
When Aces fans reflect on their team 10 or 20 years from now, long after Gray and Wilson retire (add Jackie Young to that list), they will appreciate how those three played together to win games and championships.
Now that Caitlin Clark and the Fever are done, it’s time for basketball fans to enjoy the Aces. Thursday night was just another night for Wilson and Gray at the office.
Now it’s on to the WNBA semifinals, which begin Sunday night. It will be Las Vegas against the winner of tonight’s deciding matchup between Golden State and Dallas (-7 Valkyries, 9 PM, ESPN2, from the Chase Center in San Francisco)
