Chelsea Gray has spent more than a decade building a reputation as one of the WNBA’s most clutch players. On Thursday night, she added another historic accomplishment to her resume. The Las Vegas Aces guard tied the WNBA single-game record for three-pointers made, knocking down nine shots from beyond the arc in a dominant 105-89 victory over the Portland Fire.
Gray finished with 29 points while shooting 10-for-15 from the field and an incredible 9-for-13 from three-point range. Her record-tying shot came with less than three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, putting an exclamation point on one of the most efficient shooting performances of the season. The achievement placed Gray alongside a small group of WNBA players who have connected on nine three-pointers in a game, matching a record most recently reached by Atlanta Dream star Rhyne Howard.
For a player already known as one of the league’s premier playmakers, Thursday’s performance served as another reminder that Gray remains one of basketball’s most dangerous offensive weapons.
Aces stars shine once again
While Gray’s shooting stole the headlines, she wasn’t the only Las Vegas player putting up big numbers. A’ja Wilson continued her MVP-caliber season with 32 points, helping the Aces improve their standing near the top of the WNBA. The duo combined for 61 points and repeatedly punished Portland whenever the Fire threatened to make a run.
Jackie Young contributed 10 assists and eight rebounds, helping orchestrate an offense that looked increasingly comfortable as the game progressed. Afterward, Wilson praised the chemistry she has developed with Gray over the years.
“Our trust is something we have been growing forever,” Wilson said. “There is a real connection that we have, and you see that on the court.”
That connection was on full display Thursday night as the Aces’ stars took over during key stretches of the game.
Becky Hammon explains what makes Gray so dangerous
Part of what made Gray’s performance remarkable is that scoring isn’t always her primary responsibility. As one of the league’s top point guards, Gray often spends much of the game creating opportunities for teammates rather than hunting her own shot. But when opportunities presented themselves against Portland, she didn’t hesitate.
Aces coach Becky Hammon noted that having Jackie Young handle more ball-handling duties at times allows Gray to work off the ball and showcase another part of her game.
“It’s nice to have Jackie where you can get Chelsea off the ball, because she is a really good shooter,” Hammon said.
Hammon added that Gray’s efficiency is nothing new.
“Her numbers are always up there. She flirts with 50-40-90 every year.”
Thursday’s shooting display certainly supported that assessment.
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Las Vegas survives Portland’s early push
The final score suggests a comfortable victory, but the game wasn’t always headed in that direction. Portland’s aggressive full-court defensive pressure caused problems early, and the expansion franchise held a stunning 32-4 advantage in paint scoring midway through the second quarter.
Gray admitted it took time for the Aces to adjust.
“We knew that they were going to do that, but until you actually see it, it feels a little different,” Gray said.
Once Las Vegas settled in, however, the game changed quickly. The Aces tightened their defense, began creating transition opportunities and eventually overwhelmed Portland with their experience and offensive firepower.
By the time Gray’s ninth three-pointer splashed through the net late in the fourth quarter, the outcome was no longer in doubt. The only remaining question was whether one of the WNBA’s most respected veterans would make history.
She did exactly that.
For Gray, it was another signature moment in a career already filled with them. For the Aces, it was a reminder that when their stars are firing on all cylinders, few teams in the league can keep pace.
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