Las Vegas Aces guards Chelsea Gray (12) and Kelsey Plum (10) celebrate a play during the first half of an WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 | 9:05 p.m.
Star point guard Chelsea Gray made her long-awaited return on Wednesday as the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Seattle Storm, 94-83.
"There was just a lot of emotion," Gray said. "It's been a long time since I've been out on the court, but the fans were amazing — from the time I came out to warm up to the time I checked into the game, so it was great."
It was Gray's first game since the 2023 WNBA Finals when she injured her left foot. She finished the night with 1 point, 7 assists and 4 rebounds.
She checked into the game in the first quarter to a loud, standing ovation from the fans in Michelob Ultra Arena. The entire day was an emotional one for Gray, returning to the court and looking back on her recovery.
"When you're such a competitor and you want to be with your teammates," Gray said. "You just have to stay patient and mentally locked in. There have been tears, happy and sad. It's been frustrating, but it's all part of the process."
Aces coach Becky Hammon was emotional as well. She described the noise of the crowd when Gray checked in as "the beat of her heart."
"Everybody was just super excited for her," Hammon said. "She's the leader of our team."
Jackie Young fueled the Aces' offensive effort, downing 32 points to lead all players. She had 19 points at halftime.
Throughout the season, Young has filled in the starting role that Gray has held in the past. With Gray returning, Young is still posting some of the best numbers in her career.
"People are really adaptable," Gray said. "It's next player up. You have people like Jackie and KP [Kelsey Plum] going out at the one a little bit more than they're normal. "They're playing out of position a little bit more and trying to be successful for the team and themselves."
A'ja Wilson extended her 20+ point streak to 21 games, finishing with 27 on Wednesday.
Kelsey Plum also broke double-scoring figures, finishing with 11 points. She has scored 10+ points in every game this season.
Alysha Clark and Tiffany Hayes both had 10 points.
The Aces shot for an impressive 55% (35-of-63) from the field and 40% (8-of-20) from 3-point range.
Seattle shot 44% (31-of-70) from the field. It was led by Nneka Ogwumike with 21 points.
"The team just engaged at the point of attack from the guards to the posts," Gray said. "Everybody was very physical and communicated. Everybody just locked in. If we defend, we're really, really hard to beat."
The Aces improve to 7-6 on the year and will host the No. 1 team in the WNBA, the Connecticut Sun, on Friday at 7 p.m. PST. The game will be broadcast on ION.
