Allisha Gray turned WNBA All-Star weekend’s opening night into her own show.
The Atlanta Dream guard had a historic evening, becoming the first player to win both the 3-point and skills competition in the same year, capturing both titles Friday night.
“It’s very cool. Now I’m glad I accepted the call when they asked me to play in both of them,” Gray said. “Now I get another 55K in my pocket.”
Gray received $2,575 from the league for each victory, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, but also got $110,000 from Aflac as part of a partnership with the WNBPA.
She topped hometown favorite Sophie Cunningham by just over 2 seconds in the final of the skills competition. Then she edged Jonquel Jones by one point in the 3-point shootout about 45 minutes later.
“I felt like I was warmed up after the skills challenge, running all over the court,” Gray said. “I was a little fatigued from the skills challenge, but I was locked in because I knew another 55K was on the line.”
Jones was looking to become the first post-player to win the 3-point contest. She also made the finals in 2021 before losing to four-time champion Allie Quigley. Jones had a chance to win the contest, but her last shot — the two-point money ball — fell short. She held her head in disappointment.
“(Jones) had me…
