On July 20, 2024, Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray made history by becoming the first WNBA player to win both the Skills Challenge and the 3-Point Contest in the same year. The event took place in Phoenix, where Gray showcased her talent and skill on the court.
In the Skills Challenge, Gray faced off against Phoenix Mercury’s Sophia Cunningham in the finals. With a time of 32.1 seconds, Gray emerged victorious, outshining Cunningham’s 34.5-second mark. She also posted the best time in the first round, setting the stage for her success in the competition.
Moving on to the 3-Point Contest, Gray found herself in a tight battle with New York Liberty’s Jonquel Jones in the finals. Ultimately, Gray secured the win with a score of 22-21, preventing Jones from claiming victory with just one moneyball left on the final rack.
Gray’s impressive performance earned her a total of $110,000 in prize money, with $55,000 awarded for each contest win, in addition to $5,150 from the WNBA. This financial reward was well-deserved for the seven-year veteran who has consistently delivered on the court throughout her career.
Having joined the WNBA in 2017 after a successful college basketball career at South Carolina, Gray has continued to excel, averaging 15.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists this season. Her skills were on full display during the All-Star weekend, where she not only made history but also garnered praise from her former college coach Dawn Staley and teammate A’ja Wilson.
Staley commended Gray for her achievements, highlighting her journey from possibility to reality, while Wilson celebrated her success and talent as a shooter. The outpouring of support and excitement from fans and fellow players further solidified Gray’s status as a standout athlete in the league.
Looking ahead, Gray will represent the WNBA All-Stars in a matchup against the USA Women’s National Team, scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET. As she continues to make her mark in the league, Gray’s recent victories serve as a testament to her hard work, dedication, and exceptional basketball skills.
