"Destined for Greatness," All-Stars Align in Vegas
July 17, 2023 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Atlanta Dream News Release
LAS VEGAS - The lights were dim, but the stars were bright Saturday night inside Mandalay Bay's Michelob Ultra Arena when public address announcer Chet Buchanan called each WNBA All-Star to the stage.
The first three from Team Wilson: Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Cheyenne Parker.
And as the Atlanta Dream trio made their way onto the stage individually, their demeanors were stylish characterizations of who they are, each welcomed by the raucous announced gathering of 9,472.
For Gray, it was a low-key stroll to her spot on the illuminated stage, calm and cool with two arms extended and a wave to the crowd.
With Howard, a last-minute addition to replace injured Washington Mystics star Elena Delle Donne, there was a hint of "I'm back" as she hit the "Gritty" upon entrance.
Next up was Parker, who sauntered out, glanced at Howard, threw her hands on her hips, and tilted her head while wooing the crowd into a short frenzy.
The common theme for Atlanta's trifecta: "We're here."
No shock there, as it's been the message the triumvirate has helped The Dream send to the rest of the league since late June, and during a current six-game win streak they'll ride into the second half of the campaign.
"It comes by no surprise," All-Star captain and reigning league MVP A'ja Wilson said. "When you have a coach like (Tanisha Wright), that is so invested into the game, that's so locked in, it's destined for greatness."
The Dream (11-8) opened the season 5-8, but in reeling off six straight victories, some might say they're just as hot as the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, who sit on top of the league at 19-2.
The Dream are currently tied for third in the Eastern Conference, and fifth overall in the WNBA.
"It's just been amazing to see the growth since the new ownership, it's been quite a transformation from hiring the right staff to just really showing that they care about us and they want to see us succeed," said nine-year veteran Parker, who's averaging 15.1 points and a team-high 7.5 rebounds per game in her third season with The Dream. "They want to see us be successful and they're doing the right things to see that happen."
One of those things was bringing Gray in from Dallas, where she spent the first seven years of her career.
"I just feel free," Gray said. "Coming to Atlanta was one of the best things that's happened to my career. Obviously, I'm a first-time All-Star. I mean, seven years in the league and finally an All-Star. It's just amazing. Being in Atlanta, great teammates, great organization. Overall they just let me be me and play my game and have a lot of fun.
"The proof is in the pudding. Everything's improved."
Including her numbers, as she's averaging career highs of 18.2 points and 3.2 assists per game.
"Even like my happiness - everything is overall at a high level," Gray added.
Howard, in her second year, said the inclusion of Gray has played a personal role in helping her come out of her shell even more than she did during an incredible rookie season.
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Through conversations, or just her contagious nature, Howard said she's learned plenty from Gray.
"Just to play free and play hard and not let anything stress you out," said Howard, who leads the team with 18.5 points per game. "I knew what she can do when I asked for her and so just her being able to come here and show what she could have been doing for her whole career has been a blessing to see in person and just seeing how happy she is and you know what she's done this year.
"She's brought a threat on both ends of the floor. She's brought a way to open it up for everybody. So obviously teams are gonna be focusing on me, they're gonna be focusing on CP, but you know, you bring in a third and it gets tougher to guard."
The Dream open the second half of the season playing three of their first four games in Atlanta, including an uber-important Eastern Conference home-and-home showdown against the Connecticut Sun.
By gaining momentum during the four-game stretch, The Dream can prepare mentally and instill confidence in themselves for a tough stretch that will follow, with six of the next eight games on the road - including two in Las Vegas.
And with Gray finding her touch during the six-game win streak - she's averaging 19.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game - Atlanta's triple threat gives The Dream plenty to be optimistic about against any team in the league.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from July 17, 2023
- President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden to Welcome the Las Vegas Aces to White House - Las Vegas Aces
- Phoenix Mercury Announces Community Initiatives to Champion Women and Youth Across the Valley - Phoenix Mercury
- Atkins Out with Ankle Sprain - Washington Mystics
- Connecticut Sun Sign Kristine Anigwe - Connecticut Sun
- "Destined for Greatness," All-Stars Align in Vegas - Atlanta Dream
- Dream Players Combine for 40 Points in 2023 WNBA All-Star Game - Atlanta Dream
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