Gray surpasses Hammon to claim Aces’ all-time assists record
The milestone moves Gray to sixth on the WNBA’s all-time list, while head coach Becky Hammon praises the “next generation” of players.
Chelsea Gray has overtaken former coach Becky Hammon to become the Las Vegas Aces’ all-time leader in assists, a milestone reached during the team’s 84-79 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday. Gray recorded her 1,134th assist in an Aces uniform in the fourth quarter, a moment that underscored her central role in the franchise’s offensive structure.
The victory marked the Aces’ first home win of the season, driven by a balanced attack that saw Gray contribute 12 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals. A’ja Wilson led the scoring with 28 points and 14 rebounds, while Jackie Young added 27 points and five assists. Wilson had previously surpassed Hammon on the franchise’s all-time scoring list earlier in the season.
Hammon, who held the previous record, acknowledged the significance of the achievement with characteristic humour, joking that she had considered removing Gray from the game to preserve her own standing for a few more days. She described Gray as one of the greatest to ever play the game, noting that records are “meant to be broken” and expressing pride in the next generation surpassing her own.
Gray, 33, attributed the record to the quality of her teammates, specifically highlighting Wilson, Young, and Jewell Loyd, who have combined for 17 All-Star and 11 All-WNBA appearances. She noted that she was aware of the approaching milestone earlier in the week but had forgotten by tip-off time, describing the achievement as a testament to the “great players” she has been privileged to play with in Las Vegas.
Since joining the Aces in 2021, Gray has been instrumental in the team’s sustained success. The franchise has never won fewer than 24 games in a season under her tenure and has not been eliminated before the semifinals. The Aces have made four Finals appearances, winning championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025, with Gray named Finals MVP in 2022.
Hammon praised Gray’s basketball IQ, stating that the guard often anticipates plays before they are called. “Her mind is a beautiful mind for the game,” Hammon said, adding that Gray has many years left to continue her impact. Gray, selected 11th in the 2014 WNBA Draft, spent her first six seasons with the Connecticut Sun and Los Angeles Sparks before signing with Las Vegas.
Her career total now stands at 1,941 assists, placing her sixth on the WNBA’s all-time list and second among active players, behind only Courtney Vandersloot. The record further cements Gray’s status as a foundational figure in the Aces’ history, bridging the gap between the team’s early years and its current dynasty.
