Allisha Gray had an impressive night at the WNBA All-Star weekend, making history by winning both the 3-point and skills competitions in the same year. She is the first player to achieve this feat, taking home a total of $55,000 in prize money.
In the skills competition, Gray narrowly defeated hometown favorite Sophie Cunningham in the final. She then went on to win the 3-point shootout by edging out Jonquel Jones by just one point. Gray mentioned that she was feeling fatigued from the skills challenge but was determined to stay focused as another $55,000 was on the line.
Jonquel Jones, who was aiming to become the first post-player to win the 3-point contest, fell short in the final round. Despite having a chance to win with the two-point money ball shot, Jones missed, and Gray emerged as the champion.
Sabrina Ionescu and Caitlin Clark did not compete in the 3-point contest this year. Ionescu is currently playing in the Olympics, while Clark decided to take a break after playing continuously for nine months between college and the WNBA.
Brittney Griner, the only member of the U.S. Olympic Team participating in the competitions, finished the obstacle course in 46.3 seconds. Additionally, the 3-on-3 exhibition game between the U.S. team headed to the Paris Olympics and an under-23 team ended with the Olympic team winning 19-16, with Rhyne Howard scoring the final eight points for the victors.
Marina Mabrey, who recently joined the Connecticut Sun, participated in both the skills competition and the 3-point shootout. She narrowly missed making it to the finals of the skills contest and finished fifth in the 3-point contest with 19 points.
In the past, players like Ionescu and Becky Hammon have also won both the skills challenge and 3-point contest in different years. Ionescu won the skills challenge in 2022 and the 3-point contest last year, while Hammon achieved this feat in 2007 and 2009.
Overall, Allisha Gray’s outstanding performance at the WNBA All-Star weekend has solidified her as a talented and versatile player in the league. Her historic achievement of winning both competitions in the same year is a testament to her skills and determination on the court.