During the WNBA All-Star weekend in Phoenix, Allisha Gray emerged victorious in the skills competition, outperforming local favorite Sophie Cunningham in the finals. Gray, a standout player for the Atlanta Dream, showcased her exceptional skills by posting the fastest time in the preliminary round and following it up with a strong performance in the final round.
The competition featured an obstacle course that tested players' passing, dribbling, shooting abilities, with Gray completing it in an impressive 32.1 seconds. While both Gray and Cunningham faced challenges from the 3-point line, Gray's speed ultimately secured her victory with a time of 34.2 seconds, narrowly defeating Cunningham.
Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever stepped in as a replacement for her teammate Erica Wheeler, who encountered travel issues due to a global software malfunction that disrupted flights. Despite wearing Wheeler's jersey, Mitchell did not advance to the finals but expressed enthusiasm for participating in the event and representing her team.
Brittney Griner, Cunningham's teammate from the Phoenix Mercury, also participated in the competition, showcasing the skills of post players. Griner completed the course in 46.3 seconds, demonstrating her versatility on the court.
As the winner of the skills competition, Gray will receive a prize of $2,575 from the league as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Additionally, she will be awarded $55,000 from Aflac through a partnership with the WNBPA, highlighting the support and recognition of players' talents in the WNBA.
Overall, the WNBA All-Star skills competition provided an exciting display of athleticism and talent, with Gray emerging as the deserving champion. Fans and players alike celebrated the competitive spirit and camaraderie showcased throughout the event, underscoring the ongoing success and popularity of women's basketball.
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