WNBA guard who led All-Star voting didn’t see it coming

WNBA guard Allisha Gray received more All-Star votes from both media and players than any other guard, an outcome she herself didn't anticipate.

Gray, 30, is having a career-best season with the Atlanta Dream, averaging 18.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 44.3% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range. She credits her significant offensive improvement to head coach Karl Smesko's new system, which she describes as "thinkless basketball." This approach emphasizes intuitive decision-making and playing within the flow of the game rather than relying heavily on set plays.

Fellow All-Star and teammate Rhyne Howard praised Gray's performance, stating she knew Gray had this level of play in her and that witnessing it firsthand has been great for everyone. Howard highlighted how Gray's elevation takes pressure off other players on the team, currently holding a 12-9 record (5th best in the WNBA). Howard also expressed happiness seeing Gray enjoy such success, especially as her best friend.

While making the All-Star team was always Gray's goal, being named a starter was the "cherry on top." This recognition follows her historic performance at the previous All-Star weekend, where she became the first player in WNBA history to win both the Skills Challenge and the Three-Point Contest in the same year, earning over $115,000 in bonuses.