It’s no secret that 2024 was an off-year for Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Grey. The 32-year-old missed the primary quarter of the season with a foot damage she suffered within the 2023 Finals, and her manufacturing was method down upon her return.
After averaging 15.3 factors (on 49% capturing) and seven.3 assists in 2023, Grey averaged 8.6 factors (on 40.8% capturing) and 4.9 assists in 2024.
As such, many speculated about whether or not Grey’s greatest days have been behind her — and if that have been the case, the Aces may very well be in hassle subsequent season. Grey was the 2023 Finals MVP, and stays one of many staff’s most necessary gamers regardless of the Aces nonetheless being one of many WNBA’s most gifted rosters.
However, the previous few weeks of Unequalled play have been wildly encouraging for Grey, who’s a member of the surging Rose Membership. For one, Grey has been very sturdy; she’s performed in all 13 of her staff’s video games.
However above that, her manufacturing has elevated of late; she’s scored 26+ factors in 6 of her final 7 video games. As such, the Rose are 6-1 of their final 7 video games and presently have the league’s second-best report at 7-5. For the season, Grey is the league’s fourth-leading scorer; she’s averaging 21.3 factors, 5.6 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per sport.
Grey’s scorching stretch was punctuated by a 38-point, 8-rebound efficiency in opposition to the Mist. When the Rose upset the beforehand undefeated Lunar Owls, Grey led the best way with 26 factors, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. And, on Monday evening in opposition to the Laces, the Rose clinched their spot within the playoffs thanks to a different large efficiency by Grey, who posted a 26-point, 7-assist, 5-rebound, 4-steal statline.
The veteran level guard has additionally elevated the play of Angel Reese, who has additionally had a powerful debut season with Unequalled. Reese is averaging 13 factors and 12.3 rebounds per sport this season.
A wholesome Chelsea Grey may spell success for the Aces subsequent 12 months
Subsequent season, the Aces will likely be with out Kelsey Plum, who opted to hitch the Los Angeles Sparks this offseason. In her place, they acquired one other long-tenured All-Star, Jewell Loyd. A’ja Wilson is contemporary off of her third MVP season, and the Aces even have Jackie Younger returning to assist anchor the backcourt.
Nonetheless, Grey’s manufacturing will likely be important because the Aces look to as soon as once more compete for a WNBA championship. Unequalled is a full-court 3-on-3 league, and thus isn’t an ideal predictor of what 5-on-5 success within the WNBA will appear like.
However, Grey’s physique of labor speaks for itself — and the truth that she’s again in such rhythm is a welcome signal for Las Vegas.
And, within the shorter time period, Grey’s resurgence is a good signal for her Rose Membership, who clinched a spot within the Unequalled postseason.
“We began off a bit rocky, I simply mentioned keep the course,” Grey mentioned after hitting the game-winner Monday. “Each participant is available in, will get further work, we like to be collectively, simply attempt to compete, get higher in follow — and it’s displaying on the market on the courtroom.”
