PHOENIX — Allisha Gray turned WNBA All-Star weekend’s opening night into her own show.
The Atlanta Dream guard had a historic evening, becoming the first player to win both the 3-point and skills competition in the same year Friday.
“It’s very cool. Now I’m glad I accepted the call when they asked me to play in both of them,” Gray said. “Now I get another 55K in my pocket.”
Gray received $2,575 from the league for each victory, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, but also got $110,000 from Aflac as part of a partnership between with the WNBPA.
She topped hometown favourite Sophie Cunningham by just over 2 seconds in the final of the skills competition. Then she edged Jonquel Jones by one point in the 3-point shootout about 45 minutes later.
“I felt like I was warmed up after the skills challenge, running all over the court,” Gray said. “I was a little fatigued from the skills challenge, but I was locked in because I knew another 55K was on the line.”
Jones was looking to become the first post-player to win the 3-point contest. She also made the finals in 2021 before losing to four-time champion Allie Quigley. Jones had a chance to win the contest, but her last shot — the two-point money ball — fell short. She held her head in disappointment.
“(Jones) had me nervous, I’m not going to lie,” Gray admitted.
She scored 25 points in the opening round — tops amongst the five competitors. Gray had 23 points.
Neither defending champion Sabrina Ionescu or sensational rookie Caitlin Clark competed in the 3-point contest this year. Ionescu is playing for the U.S. at the Olympics and is focused on getting ready for the Paris Games.
After virtually playing non-stop for nine months between college and the WNBA, Clark just wanted to take some time to relax.
“I think the biggest thing was for me, it’s just like I need a break,” she said. “I’m going to take some time for myself to enjoy what I want to do, and at times that can be in the tough position I’m in, but I think it was the healthiest for myself.”
Brittney Griner was the only member of the U.S. Olympic Team who participated in either competition. She finished the obstacle course in 46.3 seconds.
There was also a 3-on-3 exhibition game between the U.S. team headed to the Paris Olympics and an under-23 team featuring top college players.
The Olympic team won the tight contest 19-16 as Rhyne Howard scored the final eight points for the victors, hitting four 2-point shots. She finished the game scoring 12 of the team’s 19 points.
The game is played with one and two-point baskets for 10 minutes or until a team scores 21 points.
Marina Mabrey, who was traded from Chicago to Connecticut on Wednesday, wore a Sun jersey for the first time. She and Gray participated in both the skills competition and 3-point shootout. Mabrey just missed making the finals of the skills contest.
She finished in fifth in the 3-point contest with 19 points.
Ionescu and Becky Hammon have also won both the skills challenge and 3-point contest. Ionescu won the skills in 2022 and the 3-point contest last year. Hammon won the skills in 2007 and the 3-point in 2009.
Allisha Gray, a guard for the Dallas Wings, made history at the 2021 WNBA All-Star Game by becoming the first player to win both the 3-Point Contest and the Skills Challenge in the same year. Gray’s impressive performance showcased her versatility and skill on the court, solidifying her status as one of the top players in the league.
In the 3-Point Contest, Gray went head-to-head with some of the best shooters in the WNBA, including defending champion Sami Whitcomb of the New York Liberty. Gray’s smooth stroke and consistency from beyond the arc helped her edge out the competition and take home the title. Her ability to knock down shots from long range with ease was truly a sight to behold.
But Gray didn’t stop there. In the Skills Challenge, she showcased her all-around game by navigating through a series of dribbling, passing, and shooting drills in record time. Her speed, agility, and basketball IQ were on full display as she outperformed her competitors and clinched another victory.
Gray’s historic double win at the WNBA All-Star Game is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and talent as a basketball player. It also serves as a reminder of the growing level of skill and competition in the women’s game. As more and more players like Gray continue to push the boundaries and redefine what is possible on the court, the future of women’s basketball looks brighter than ever.