On Tuesday night in Las Vegas, the WNBA‘s two hottest teams clashed in a game that carried major implications for both the playoffs and the league’s MVP race. At the heart of this high-stakes matchup were Allisha Gray and A’ja Wilson, former College of South Carolina teammates who have risen to become two of the league’s most outstanding players.

The Atlanta Dream, entering with the second-best record and riding a seven-victory surge, aimed to halt the Las Vegas Aces’ own seven-game winning streak. This contest represented more than just a standings battle—it was a stage where the candidacies of two top MVP contenders would be showcased.

A Tale of Two Teams and a See-Saw Battle

The game unfolded with dramatic shifts in momentum, as Atlanta surged ahead midway through the second half with an 11-0 run that gave them a commanding 10-point advantage. Las Vegas, undeterred, responded emphatically with a 13-0 stretch to erase the deficit and deadlock the score. With the scoreboard tied at 72 late in the fourth quarter, A’ja Wilson delivered a clutch jumper that ultimately decided the game.

Moments later, Wilson had a chance to seal the victory with another shot, but Allisha Gray’s aggressive rebound denied her, giving Atlanta one last opportunity. Although the Dream could not capitalize, the contest illuminated the fierce competition and talent shared by these two collegial rivals turned professional adversaries.

Individual Brilliance on Full Display

Wilson’s dominant performance included 32 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks, reaffirming her standing as the league’s premiere player. Gray contributed significantly with 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists, underscoring her continual rise in league prominence and supporting Atlanta’s contention for top honors.

Once roommates and best friends at South Carolina, Gray and Wilson’s intertwined histories add a compelling narrative layer to their rivalry. Together, they led the Gamecocks to a groundbreaking national championship, carving shared memories that continue to echo in their professional careers.

Diverging Professional Paths Shape Different Journeys

While Wilson’s career trajectory has been remarkably linear—earning three MVP awards and setting league records—Gray’s path has involved overcoming adversity and embracing reinvention. Drafted by Dallas, a franchise struggling with instability, Gray’s role diminished after her return from winning Olympic gold in 3X3 basketball. According to Dallas coach Vickie Johnson,

“3X3 is a very different type of basketball,”

which impacted her playing time.

In 2023, Gray was traded to Atlanta, a team grappling with its own challenges, including ownership changes and internal conflicts. Viewed initially as a castoff, she has since become integral to the Dream’s resurgence, posting a career-high average of 17.1 points per game in 2023 and earning her first All-Star selection. She repeated the All-Star honor in 2024 and made headlines by sweeping the Skills and Three-Point contests, with Wilson notably present courtside.

New Leadership Spurs Gray’s Career Breakthrough

Atlanta’s hiring of coach Karl Smesko, familiar with high-scoring, perimeter-focused offenses, has provided the ideal environment for Gray’s talents to flourish. The open offense emphasizing three-point shooting complements Gray’s skill set perfectly, allowing her to start every game this season while achieving career-best numbers across nearly all statistical categories.

Amid Atlanta’s frequent injury-plagued roster changes, Gray’s steady presence has elevated her status to a frontrunner in the MVP discussion, a narrative supported by the team’s promotional campaign using the hashtag MVPLish.

Wilson’s Continued Dominance Amid Team Challenges

Wilson’s past seasons have been historically dominant, including being a unanimous MVP last year after shattering scoring and rebounding records. Her second Olympic gold further cemented her reputation as the world’s best player. However, the Las Vegas Aces struggled at the start of the current season, posting an inconsistent record and suffering the league’s heaviest home loss. Despite this, the Aces and Wilson have rebounded spectacularly, embarking on a winning streak that has silenced doubters.

Wilson’s recent performances have been fiery and productive, especially with MVP contender Napheesa Collier sidelined by injury, opening the door for Wilson and others to stake their claim as the league’s top competitors.

A Friendship Beyond Competition

Since their college days, Wilson and Gray’s friendship has endured despite their on-court battles. Although their personalities contrast sharply—Wilson’s commanding presence versus Gray’s reserved demeanor—their camaraderie remains strong. The two have engaged in playful public rivalries, such as Wilson’s ongoing attempts to block Gray’s shots, and Gray’s request for Wilson to send her a pair of A’Ones sneakers, which she proudly wears during games.

During the Las Vegas game, moments of on-court humor and gentle teasing lightened the intense competition. After Wilson’s screen left Gray on the floor, Wilson’s lighthearted joke prompted a playful shove from Gray, followed by some friendly banter that exemplified the unique chemistry between them.

“I guess she wanted me to get a foul call, but it didn’t work out, I’m glad she’s good and healthy and moving right. It’s always a joy to compete against her.” —A’ja Wilson, WNBA Player

Wilson Praises Gray’s Emergence as a Leading Player

Wilson has publicly expressed her admiration for Gray’s growth and success in the league. After Tuesday’s game, she described Gray as her “ride or die” and marveled at how Gray’s impact has finally caught the wider league’s attention for her two-way abilities.

“I love Lish with my whole heart, That’s my dog. That’s my ride or die. To see her flourish and what she’s doing in this league, it comes by no surprise to me, but I’m so glad she’s finally putting the league on notice as to what she can do on both ends of the basketball (court).” —A’ja Wilson, WNBA Player

Upcoming Rematch Poised to Renew Rivalry and Showcase Elite Talent

The teams will face off once more this season on the following Wednesday in Atlanta, a venue historically favored by the Aces and their large base of South Carolina fans. Past matchups in Atlanta have been electrifying, with Wilson having set a WNBA record by scoring 53 points in the city. Fans can expect the former roommates to exchange moments of warmth, laughter, and spirited competition reminiscent of their college years.

This ongoing rivalry between Allisha Gray and A’ja Wilson not only highlights their individual skill but also adds rich narrative intrigue to the WNBA’s MVP race and playoff push, making their upcoming encounters highly anticipated events for the league and its supporters.