Las Vegas Aces point guard Chelsea Gray is set to make her season debut on Wednesday night against the Seattle Storm, marking her return after being sidelined since last season's WNBA Finals with a left foot injury. The Aces, who have struggled early this season, are looking to Gray to provide a much-needed boost.
Aces coach Becky Hammon confirmed Gray's return Tuesday, indicating that her playing time will be carefully monitored.
“We're going to see how that goes and evaluate and make an in-game call then,” Hammon said, via the Associated Press. “We kind of have a general idea of what we're doing with her, but it can change one way or another depending on how it goes.”
The Aces, the reigning WNBA champions for the past two seasons, have experienced an unexpectedly slow start this year. They have lost five of their last seven games, bringing their record to 6-6. This equals the total number of losses they suffered throughout the entire previous season. Defensive struggles have also played a role, with the team allowing 104.2 points per 100 possessions, ranking 10th in the 12-team league.
Hammon emphasized the impact of Gray's absence.
“Not only have we missed her mind and her passing and her scoring, we've missed her spirit,” Hammon said. Gray, who was the WNBA Finals MVP two years ago, was averaging 15.6 points and 6.8 assists in the last postseason before her injury.
Gray's return is anticipated to bring not only her skills on the court but also renewed energy and focus to the team.
“When you have that kind of hunger and that kind of drive to get back because you haven't had it for so long, it does bring a different kind of edge. It brings a different kind if energy and focus, and hopefully that aspect of Chelsea's game will be contagious for us,” Hammon added.
Aces' 2024 season so far
The Aces began their 2024 season with high hopes of securing a third consecutive WNBA championship. However, the team has faced several challenges early on. Despite starting the season strong with a 2-0 record, the Aces have since struggled, suffering a string of losses that has brought their record to. 500.
Key players like A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum have been vocal about the team's challenges. Wilson, a consistent MVP candidate, has emphasized her commitment to improving and leading the team through this rough patch.
“I love the game… I don't want to be average, I want to continue to uplift each other and myself,” Wilson said previously.
Plum, who faced a challenging offseason, has also expressed her determination to help the team bounce back.
“I'm excited about this season, I'm excited about Las Vegas, trying to run it back again,” Plum said,
The Aces have faced particularly tough games, including a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Sparks June 9 where coach Hammon was ejected for disputing calls.
Follow Us
Subscribe