Chelsea Gray Puts Herself on Dawn Staley and Every Other American’s Notice After Stunning 13 Assists vs Japan in Paris Olympics

Many analysts consider the group of Team USA to be the toughest at the Olympics. As per the official FIBA world rankings, Belgium, Japan, and Germany are ranked 6th, 9th, and 19th, respectively. But the matchup between the USA and Japan didn’t seem to reflect the rankings. At the halfway point mark, the game was close with Team USA leading by 11 points. However, the game ended with a 26-point blowout (102- 76). Team USA became the first team in the tournament till now to cross the 3-figure mark. While there were contributions from multiple stars, Chelsea Gray stunned everyone, including Dawn Staley, with her playmaking prowess.

A’ja Wilson was the top scorer for the team with 24, and her Aces teammate wasn’t far behind with her contributions. Gray contributed with 37% of the team’s total assists. She was on the hunt for the assist record of 18, which currently belongs to Japanese Rui Machida from the 2021 Olympics. Chelsea Gray recorded 13 assists.

Seeing the performance, every American would be uttering the same words that Dawn Staley expressed on X. “Chelsea Gray don’t you ever retire!” With this, the women’s team was able to continue their unbeaten streak to 56 consecutive games. It was a complete team performance, as the entire roster was able to contribute positively.

Wilson started the Olympic games in the same manner as the last time, as she recorded a double-double. During the Tokyo Olympics, she scored 19 points and 13 rebounds in the first game. This year in Paris she had the same number of rebounds but raised the bar by scoring 24. However, the eyes were fixated on the display from Chelsea Gray. Once Dawn Staley made a statement, the entire basketball community echoed a similar sentiment.

Chelsea Gray answered all the critics in just one-half

Former NBA assistant coach and son of the legend Steve ‘Snapper’ Jones, was in awe of the performance. A former video coordinator and video operations manager, Steve Jones Jr. said, “Chelsea Gray is just a ridiculous passer, end tweet.” Known as the WNBA’s Point Gawd because of her ability to score and facilitate teammates simultaneously, 15.3 points and 7.2 assists per game last year. While she has been on a minutes restriction this season due to her return from injury, she is getting back into her groove.

Just like the 2022 WNBA finals, A’ja Wilson was the key focus for the opposition but Gray would go on to win the MVP award because of her important displays. Emmy-nominated Sportscaster Chris Williamson pointed out how effortless Gray made the team. “Chelsea gray in gawd mode with playmaking.”

The Aces #12 was closing in on the American record of 15 assists held by Teresa Edwards in 1996. Seeing her teammate perform on an unbelievable level, Sydney Colson wrote, “13 ASSists for my dawg.” While the teammates appreciate her, the team announcement wasn’t met with enthusiasm by many.

At the time she was injured, so there were questions about her fitness. Plus, the performance from Caitlin Clark was also note-worthy. So a fan was happy that Gray performed at the biggest stage. “Chelsea Gray got 11 assists at halftime and dem folks was tryna say she shouldn’t be on team USA 😭😭😭😭.”

The Aces missed Gray the most during the start of the campaign as they had a 6-6 record. But ever since she came back, they have had a 10-2 record, placing them 3rd in the conference.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.”