With Aces missing Chelsea Gray and Kiah Stokes, the series momentum shifts to Liberty

Chelsea Gray rode on her scooter along the sidelines at Barclays Center, playing music through a small speaker. The usual boombox was absent, as the arena stood empty due to the absence of fans. Gray’s presence was missed on the court as well, as her injury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals shifted the momentum in favor of the New York Liberty.

Gray, known as the Aces’ “point gawd” and the 2022 Finals MVP, left the game in the final minutes due to a foot injury. The Aces’ starting center, Kiah Stokes, also suffered a foot injury and was seen on crutches with her foot in a boot. Both players were ruled out for Game 4, and their status for Game 5 remained uncertain.

The Aces, a team consisting of three consecutive No. 1 picks, were facing off against the Liberty, who had added three All-Star starters to their roster. The series was expected to be a closely contested battle, with the regular-season meetings between the two teams ending in a tie.

However, the Aces had the opportunity to clinch the championship with just one more win. The Liberty, taking advantage of Gray and Stokes’ absence, gained momentum and confidence heading into Game 4. The Aces were also without Candace Parker, who had been out since July due to foot surgery.

Despite the adversity, Aces head coach Becky Hammon remained optimistic and urged her team to stay true to themselves. The remaining players would have to step up and fill the void left by the injured starters.

Gray, who is known for her playmaking ability and court vision, would continue to contribute from the sidelines by offering guidance and calling out plays. Kelsey Plum would handle the ball-handling duties in Gray’s absence, while Jackie Young would also take on a larger role.

The Aces would also miss Stokes’ defensive presence, as she was instrumental in protecting A’ja Wilson, the reigning league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. Wilson, standing at 6-foot-4, would now have to step up and take on additional responsibilities on both ends of the court.

Despite the challenges, the Aces remained focused on their goal of winning the championship. They would rely on their resilience and teamwork to overcome the obstacles and secure the victory.

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Rachel Adams

Rachel Adams is your WNBA insider, delivering comprehensive coverage of women’s basketball. With a commitment to highlighting the talent and achievements of WNBA players, she provides game analysis, player profiles, and inspiring stories from the league.