Angel Reese labeled Aces' $392,534 star Chelsea Gray as the most valuable point guard. Reese, Gray's teammate in Unrivaled for the Rose BC, hailed the veteran for her exploits in the semifinals against the Laces BC in a close 63-57 win. Gray scored 61.9% of the team's points after she went off for 39 on 15 of 23 shots, including five 3s.
The star guard had the license to go nuclear after the Rose BC played without Reese because of a wrist injury and Kahlea Copper, citing a leg injury. Here's what Reese said on X about Gray after that heroic effort:
"CHELSEA MF GRAY. MV PG. END OF CONVO."
Chelsea Gray's fifth and final 3 was also the game-winner for the Rose BC, who advanced to the final as expected. In the inaugural Unrivaled championship game, they will face the Vinyl BC.
The Rose BC will hope Angel Reese can recover in time for the showdown, taking place Monday.
Chelsea Gray shouts out Angel Reese for her infectious energy on the bench
Angel Reese wasn't on the court but ensured her energy continued impacting the team in their semifinal bout. She was active on the bench, hyping Chelsea Gray and Co. and giving them pep talks between quarters and timeouts. Gray pointed that out after the game, saying:
"It's great. She brings the energy whether she's on the court or off the court and tonight was no different. I heard her all the time when our play defensively or offensively was going our way. When it wasn't going our way I still heard her. So, she's a presence out there, she's very very vocal and so we needed that energy."
Apart from her defense and rebounding, Reese's intangibles as a vocal leader make her one of the most impactful players in the WNBA. With a veteran like Chelsea Gray acknowledging her presence, it's a testament to Reese's impact on her teams.
The Sky missed her in Sunday's clash, and they could miss her more on the court on Monday against the Vinyl BC in the finals. Their size could bother the Rose BC in Reese's absence, especially after how they handled business against Napheesa Colliers' No. 1 ranked and championship favorites Lunar Owls.