Remember when Chelsea Gray sustained a foot injury back in the 2023 WNBA Finals, and ended up recovering during the whole off-season and the first 12 games of the 2024 season? Well, it felt like history was going to repeat itself when the player went down after sustaining an ailment on her right foot during Game 5 of the Aces-Fever Semi-Finals series. While she didn’t miss Game 1 of the ongoing Finals series due to it, she did appear to re-aggravate her injury again! Fortunately, Becky Hammon believes there is nothing to worry about.

The Las Vegas Aces won Game 1 against the Phoenix Mercury by a 89-86 score. During the post-game press conference, the Aces HC was asked about an update on Chelsea Gray’s condition. Without having to think for too long, Hammon said, “Uh, I think she’s going to be okay. She did twist it a little bit worse, I thought. But, I mean, she’s a warrior. She wants to if there’s a way if she’s getting up off that court, she’s going to come back.”

Chelsea Gray went to the locker room after appearing to have injured her ankle on a Kahleah Copper closeout as roughly 6 minutes remained in the 3rd quarter, and the Mercury had a 3-point lead. Gray reportedly came down on Copper’s foot while attempting a shot. Fortunately, she returned to the court just a few minutes later, with her foot and ankle heavily taped. Her condition prevented her from leaving much of an impact on offense during the matchup. When the timer chimed to 0, Gray had recorded only 8 points through 2-7 (28.6%) field goals, 1-4 (25.0%) 3-pointers, and 3-3 (100.0%) free throws. However, despite her condition, she recorded 7 rebounds and 10 assists. The same played an important role in helping the Aces secure the close 89-86 win.

Chelsea Gray had initially sustained the ankle injury during Game 5 of the Aces-Fever Semi-Finals series. The incident occurred when she was attempting to navigate a screen set by A’ja Wilson. Soon, Odyssey Sims caught up to her. The Fever star accidentally landed her left foot on Gray’s right foot, which caused the latter to fall. Gray did not need any help getting to the locker room. She was even able to dash a bit off the court, but occasionally limped a bit. She left when 8:15 minutes remained in the 3rd quarter, and returned when 5:05 minutes remained in the same quarter.

This was the 2nd injury setback of the matchup, as the Fever had to also recover from losing Kelsey Mitchell after she had to leave the game due to left leg cramping. Gray’s injury during Game 1 wasn’t the only one, either, as Sami Whitcomb hurt her knee. However, unlike Kelsey Mitchell, she returned to the court during the same game.

To ensure Chelsea Gray remains healthy during this intense period, she should get as much rest as possible. As it turns out, the Aces head coach is already pushing her players towards that.

Becky Hammon Revealed Urging A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray To Take A Nap

During the pre-game presser, Becky Hammon was asked about the logistics of preparing for a finals series matchup. Hammon joked about whether the reporter wants to know about the players’ naptime. This led her to further reveal that, during this year, the Aces squad was beginning their practice sessions at 5 o’clock for the first time. As a result, a bit of siesta in between became common. “Every players takes naps, as far as I know. I did when I was. So, don’t mess with their nap time.”

The official X account of ‘Desert Wave Media’ reported that, during shootaround this morning, Becky Hammon especially told A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray it was time for them to leave and take naps.

Post-practice naps, or Pre-game naps, can have several benefits. They can give you relief after a tough workout, but can also give your mind a rest from some tension. Chelsea Gray found this to be true back in July 2024, when she was set to return to the basketball court after a 248-day gap. The WNBA star’s wife, Tipesa Gray, encouraged her to take a pre-game nap by saying, “You need to go lie down and rest your mind for a little bit. I got Lennox (the couple’s son).”

Perhaps the naps are the secret to the Las Vegas Aces’ win record. The Phoenix Mercury should try and take a leaf out of A’ja Wilson and co’s book.