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After a Painful WNBA Finals Exit for Aces Guard, Aching Update Looms Over Chelsea Gray and Defending Champion

Published 10/17/2023, 1:09 AM EDT

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Foot injury of Chelsea Gray has created a significant hole for the defending champions. Her departure along with the monumental victory at home may have shifted the Finals momentum to the New York Liberty. The fate of Gray’s participation in Game 4 is unknown, but the alarming news from the Aces’ head coach has fans concerned.

After the Aces guard’s foot injury, Game 3 of the Finals took an unexpected turn. Given their momentum in the Finals Five, the Aces were expected to win their second consecutive title that night. However, Liberty’s surprising performance stopped the Aces’ resounding victory, and Gray’s elimination gave them a further edge. Gray is extremely significant in the Aces since she is the most crucial person in the Finals run. Her absence would undoubtedly affect the successive championship route.

A concerning update on Chelsea Gray

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Breanna Stewart was attempting to post up from the left elbow when they collided, resulting in Gray losing her balance in the middle of the fourth quarter. Kelsey Plum took possession of the ball after Stewart lost control of it. Unfortunately, Gray’s left leg was hurt during the same incident.

When asked about the importance of Chelsea Gray during a post-game news conference, Becky Hammon responded, “I don’t think any one person is going to step up and fill her shoes; no one person is going to replace her.” Everyone assumed Gray’s knee had been hurt at first, but she subsequently stated, “My ankle’s popped.”

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According to sports analyst Holly Rowe, a severe injury has been discovered in Chelsea Gray’s left foot, making her participation in Game 4 very uncertain.

She went on to say, “This is a significant left foot injury for Chelsea Gray, and her status for game four in New York on Wednesday is very questionable.”

Will it cost the Aces’ a title repeat?

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Chelsea Gray’s absence will undoubtedly have an impact on the Aces’ Finals run, as she has scored or assisted on 34% of their points. She was instrumental in the team’s title victory over the Connecticut Suns in last year’s Finals.

via Imago

The Aces’ bench is already thin since Candace Parker did not play this season. With Gray out, the Aces are now reliant exclusively on Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young.

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Alysha Clark would play Gray in future games, but everyone would have to work a little more to compensate for her absence.

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Written by:

Nima Murugan

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Nima Murugan is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. With a Master's in English Literature, she provides detailed analysis of the games. Nima developed an interest in the NBA after witnessing the greatness of LeBron James and she continues to support the Los Angeles Lakers with passion.
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Edited by:

Bilal Handoo