Las Vegas Aces "Point God" Chelsea Gray broke down in tears after the team's Game 2 win over the Seattle Storm on Tuesday night. The Aces are heading into the semifinals of the 2024 WNBA playoffs and will face the New York Liberty. A'ja Wilson also reacted to Gray's emotional moment during her postgame interview.
In the video below, Gray shared an emotional moment with her family following Las Vegas' 83-76 win over the Storm. She had a rough 12 months since suffering a left foot injury in the 2023 WNBA Finals.
Wilson, who was being interviewed simultaneously, saw Gray and showed her nothing but love. The 2024 WNBA MVP said:
"Chelsea, for coming back from an injury, taking care of business, getting us organized, that's a lot. But she comes in and makes sure that our heads are straight."
Chelsea Gray didn't have a great shooting night on Tuesday but still finished with 12 points, four rebounds and nine assists. A'ja Wilson had another great game, putting up 24 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks.
Kelsey Plum bounced back in a big way after her two-point stinker in Game 1. Plum had a game-high 29 points plus three rebounds and three assists. Gabby Williams had 20 points for the Seattle Storm, with Nneka Ogwumike scoring 16 points and Skylar Diggins-Smith contributing 13 points and 10 assists.
The Las Vegas Aces built a double-digit lead in the first quarter, but the Storm kept themselves afloat throughout the game. The Aces showed their championship experience by holding on to get the well-deserved 83-76 victory.
The back-to-back defending champions will be facing the New York Liberty in the semifinals, which is a rematch of last year's WNBA Finals. The Liberty finished the season with the best record in the league and are out for revenge against the Aces.
Chelsea Gray opens up about her injury
Chelsea Gray suffered her injury in Game 3 of the 2023 WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty. Gray was unable to play in the championship-clinching Game 4 but still won her third WNBA championship and second with the Las Vegas Aces. She won her first ring in 2016 with the LA Sparks.
Speaking to Women's Health Magazine in an interview back in July, Gray opened up about her injury. She made contact with Breanna Stewart's leg in the fourth quarter and her left foot planted awkwardly. She heard a pop and knew that she suffered an injury but wanted to come back.
"I was just scared and wanting to be ready, wanting nothing to be serious. My mindset was like, 'I need to be able to get back out there,'" Gray said.
Gray was diagnosed with a fractured left foot and had to undergo surgery. It took a while, but she returned to the court on June 19 against the Seattle Storm. She was on a minutes restriction at times before being given full minutes later in the regular season.