Chelsea Gray’s short jumper in the lane with 3.6 seconds remaining in regulation gave the Las Vegas Aces an 85-84 win over the Atlanta Dream on Sunday. Gray’s clutch shot disappointed an excited sellout crowd in Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, hoping to see the Dream win their home opener and third straight game to open the season.
However, the three-time champions showed the aspiring contenders how far they may have to climb to reach the Aces’ level with an 85-84 win on Sunday.
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Gray led Las Vegas with 21 points, adding five rebounds and six assists. A’ja Wilson followed with 20 points and five boards.
Chennedy Carter added 20 points off the bench for the Aces, reminding WNBA observers of what she can do after sitting out the 2025 season. The Chicago Sky didn’t offer her a contract amid reports of tensions with teammates and concerns that her presence might affect an ability to sign free agents.
The Dream was paced by Allisha Gray’s 25 points and nine assists. Te-Hina Paopao added 19 points, starting for the injured Rhyne Howard. Rookie Madina Okot contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds off Atlanta’s bench.
Howard sat out Sunday’s game with concussion symptoms. She apparently sustained the injury during Tuesday’s 77-72 win over the Dallas Wings, though it’s not clear at what point it occurred. The five-year veteran played 37 minutes in that game, scoring 14 points.