Allisha Gray becomes first player to win both 3-point and skills competitions at WNBA All-Star
“I was a little fatigued from the skills challenge, but I was locked in because I knew another 55K was on the line,” Gray says after winning 3-point contest
Allisha Gray made WNBA All-Star weekend’s opening night unforgettable, turning it into a showcase of her skills. The Atlanta Dream guard made history by becoming the first player to win both the 3-point and skills competitions in the same year, a feat accomplished on Friday.
“It’s very cool. Now I’m glad I accepted the call when they asked me to play in both of them,” Gray said. “Now I get another 55K in my pocket.”
Gray earned $2,575 from the league for each victory, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, but the real windfall came from Aflac, which awarded her $110,000 as part of a partnership with the WNBPA.
In the skills competition, Gray narrowly defeated hometown favorite Sophie Cunningham by just over two seconds in the final. About 45 minutes later, she edged out Jonquel Jones by one point to win the 3-point shootout.
“I felt like I was warmed up after the skills challenge, running all over the court,” Gray said. “I was a little fatigued from the skills challenge, but I was locked in because I knew another 55K was on the line.”
Jones, who aspired to be the first post-player to win the 3-point contest, came close but fell short when her final shot, the two-point money ball, missed its mark. “Jones had me nervous, I’m not going to lie,” Gray admitted.
In the opening round, Gray scored 25 points, the highest among the five competitors. In the final, she tallied 23 points.
Neither defending champion Sabrina Ionescu nor sensational rookie Caitlin Clark participated in this year’s 3-point contest. Ionescu is focusing on the upcoming Paris Olympics, while Clark, after a grueling nine months of play between college and the WNBA, opted to take a break. “I think the biggest thing was for me, it’s just like I need a break,” Clark said. “I’m going to take some time for myself to enjoy what I want to do.”
Brittney Griner was the only U.S. Olympic Team member to participate in either competition, finishing the obstacle course in 46.3 seconds.
Additionally, a 3-on-3 exhibition game featured the U.S. team headed to the Paris Olympics against an under-23 team of top college players. The Olympic team narrowly won 19-16, with Rhyne Howard scoring the final eight points.
Marina Mabrey, newly traded to the Connecticut Sun, also competed in both the skills competition and the 3-point shootout, finishing fifth in the latter with 19 points.
Allisha Gray now joins the ranks of Sabrina Ionescu and Becky Hammon, who have also won both the skills challenge and 3-point contest in their careers, further solidifying her place in WNBA history.
WNBA All-Star Game 2024
According to TickPick, this is the most expensive WNBA All-Star Game
According to TickPick, this is the most expensive WNBA All-Star Game on record with an average purchase price of $219 — 106% more expensive than 2023.
TickPick notes that the “get-in” price for the game skyrocketed after the lineup was announced with the “get-in” price on June 6 being $78. It currently stands at $154 (97% more expensive).
