image via the Las Vegas Aces
Chelsea Gray reminded the basketball world why she’s known as the “Point Gawd.”
The Las Vegas Aces guard delivered one of the most remarkable clutch performances in WNBA history Thursday night, hitting a game-tying three-pointer at the end of regulation before drilling the game-winning three-pointer at the overtime buzzer to lift the Aces to an 86-84 victory over the Indiana Fever.
In the process, Gray became the first player in WNBA history to record both a game-tying buzzer-beater to force overtime and a game-winning buzzer-beater to end overtime in the same game.
The Fever appeared to have the game in hand late in regulation, leading 75-72 with just seconds remaining. However, Indiana was unable to put the game away after missed free throws from Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark left the door open. Gray capitalized, burying a contested three-pointer as time expired to send the contest into overtime.
The extra period proved just as dramatic.
With Indiana clinging to an 84-83 lead in the closing seconds, A’ja Wilson was on an island staring down Caitlin Clark. Wilson showed why she’s a 3-time Defensive Player of the Year as she stymied Clark’s offensive attack and forced a live-ball turnover that immediately shifted momentum.
The Aces quickly found Gray on the perimeter, and the veteran guard calmly stepped into another three-pointer , as Aaliyah Boston inextricably backed away, that splashed through the net as the buzzer sounded, completing an unforgettable comeback and silencing the home crowd.
The victory capped a stunning turnaround for Las Vegas after trailing by as many as 20 points during the game. Indiana controlled much of the first half before the defending contenders chipped away throughout the second half behind timely defense and championship poise. (SB Nation)
Wilson anchored the Aces with 26 points and 16 rebounds, while Gray’s final two shots instantly became part of WNBA lore. For Indiana, the loss overshadowed another strong performance from Kelsey Mitchell, who scored 28 points on 10-18 from the floor and 2-4 from downtown. Caitlin Clark, accepted responsibility after missed late-game opportunities but emphasized that the Fever still battled throughout the contest. (New York Post)
Gray has built a reputation as one of basketball’s premier late-game performers throughout her career, but even by her lofty standards, Thursday night’s heroics stand apart. Delivering one buzzer-beater in a pressure-packed game is rare. Delivering two—one to force overtime and another to win it—had never happened before in WNBA history.
Sometimes the biggest moments belong to the biggest stars.
On Thursday night, Chelsea Gray added another unforgettable chapter to an already legendary résumé.
