Chelsea Gray on the Las Vegas Aces Dynasty and Winning Her Fourth WNBA Championship

Summary

Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird
Episode Summary:
Chelsea Gray on the Las Vegas Aces Dynasty and Winning Her Fourth WNBA Championship
Date: October 17, 2025

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Episode Overview

On this episode, Sue Bird welcomes Chelsea Gray—fresh off winning her fourth WNBA championship with the Las Vegas Aces—to discuss dynasties, her transformative 2025 season, team culture, and the Aces’ route to becoming one of the league’s most formidable franchises. The episode is packed with candid reflections about adversity, finding joy, team chemistry, and what it takes to sustain greatness under pressure.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Defining a Dynasty in the WNBA

[02:11–11:18]

• Sue and guest co-host Tommy Alter dig into what constitutes a dynasty in sports, especially the WNBA.
  • Key criteria identified: Multiple championships within a short time frame, a consistent core group, sustained greatness, and a defining coach.
  • Sue points out that dynasties don’t necessarily have to include back-to-back titles, referencing the Minnesota Lynx’s four titles in seven years with the same coach and core as a model example.
  • Discussion on franchises like the Houston Comets, Detroit Shock, and the evolving nature of sustained excellence vs. dynasty status.
• Quote:
  • "Sustained greatness with, in large part, the same group of people in a short period of time with championships." — Sue Bird [02:37]

2. The Uniqueness of the Las Vegas Aces’ Championship Run

[18:00–47:20]

• Chelsea Gray discusses the emotional rollercoaster of the Aces’ 2025 season: from early adversity and internal doubts to peaking at the perfect time.
  • Emphasizes how challenging May and June were: “I keep on saying it was getting scary. It was looking spooky out there.” [00:07/18:34]
  • Distinguishes her fourth championship as the most emotional, noting relief and pride for regaining peak form after an injury-riddled previous season.
  • The turning point: A vulnerable, tearful conversation with Coach Becky Hammon which reset her mindset.
    • “Who you are and what you're capable of is enough. Like, don't think outside that.” — Chelsea quoting Becky [27:49]
• Importance of vulnerability and open communication within the team, largely fostered by Coach Becky Hammon.
  • Becky’s unique blend of accountability and support contributed to a trusting environment where players felt safe expressing themselves.

3. Overcoming Adversity and the Role of Team Culture

[68:00–73:31]

• Turning point after a humiliating 53-point loss to Minnesota and the transformative text from Asia Wilson:
  • “Don’t come to the gym if you’re not embarrassed and ready to work.” [68:10]
  • The team responded with a dominant victory, leading to improved communication, accountability, and effort—especially on defense.
  • Chelsea highlights the importance of defensive chemistry, trust, and collective vulnerability:
    • “As much as people talk about offense and having chemistry, you have to have it defensively too, and understand people’s tendencies.” [73:10]
• Individual preparation, film study, and defensive IQ are crucial to Chelsea’s game, not just for herself but the team at large.

4. Inside the Aces Locker Room: Chemistry, Roles, and Star Power

[52:04–57:39]

• Sue and Chelsea break down team dynamics, the evolution of trust in play-calling, and chemistry, especially after integrating new additions like Jewel Loyd.
  • A pivotal moment: Jewel requesting to come off the bench, showing maturity and team-first mentality.
  • Emphasizes that team pressure to instantly gel is unrealistic in today’s sports climate—chemistry takes time and patience.
• Chelsea shares how much she values teammates who are versatile, resilient, and capable of having “their night.” She describes managing the offense with this in mind:
  • “I just love sitting back and being like, okay, we’re going to do this, that, and that…my IQ and my thoughts are just flowing and I’m loving it.” [53:22]
• On Jackie Young and Asia Wilson:
  • Jackie: “She’s strong as hell...there’s not a way she can’t score. That puts her in a different category.” [61:59]
  • Asia: “Her hands, she grabs everything…Her ability off the dribble and bringing it from a rebound, like her getting off the glass and bringing it into making a good decision…she gets better every year.” [65:29, 67:08]

5. Clutch Moments and Finals Execution

[39:26–45:25]

• Chelsea’s perspective on being ‘clutch’:
  • “Clutch is somebody that does it consistently, regular season, playoffs, no matter the stage.” [39:26]
  • Highlights the “tunnel focus” and the importance of routine shots, not hero-ball, in decisive moments.
• Breaks down critical shots from Finals Game Four:
  • The pivotal three-pointer as New York was making a comeback:
    • “They were trying to climb back...that was the shot that we needed. …That was the biggest three that I hit.” [43:48–44:47]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Team Identity:
  • “Dynasties are feared and looked up to and set the goals. People try to strive to be like this organization or strive to be the dynasty.” — Chelsea Gray [30:02]
• On Vulnerability and Coaching:
  • “Becky has this great knack…you can come to her like a best friend…but she’s also like, this person that’s gonna yell at you and hold you accountable…It’s a gift that she has with people.” — Chelsea [27:49]
• On Adversity and Growth:
  • “There were moments where I was just like, I'm not really having fun. …Find the joy, and I would tell myself, like, good job, kid.” — Chelsea [24:42]
• On the Turning Point:
  • After being blown out by 53:
    • “We had to get super raw and vulnerable with each other and like, yo, this doesn't feel good…This ain’t the normal.” [70:36]
• On Defensive Excellence:
  • “My mind was super active on both ends, and I took a step defensively just by being more aggressive…I bait them into bringing it down so I can strip it or it gives me more time or somebody else time to get there.” — Chelsea [74:16–75:52]

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Important Timestamps

• [00:03–00:07] — Chelsea’s immediate post-championship mood ("Lots of tequila. It's been great").
• [02:11–11:18] — What makes a dynasty? WNBA examples, core players, and changing eras.
• [18:00–25:28] — Chelsea reflects on the tumultuous early months, her struggle, vulnerability, and key conversations with Becky Hammon.
• [30:02–32:03] — Chelsea’s checklist for a dynasty: championships, a core, and being feared. Facing dynastic teams as an opponent.
• [39:26–41:26] — Discussion of clutch gene and routine under pressure.
• [43:48–45:25] — Breaking down a pivotal moment in the Finals, how Chelsea decided to take and make a crucial three.
• [52:04–53:22] — Balancing a team loaded with offensive options; strategic play-calling.
• [61:59–67:13] — On the strengths of Jackie Young and the continual growth of Asia Wilson.
• [68:00–73:31] — Post-53-point loss, Asia’s team-wide text, and culture reboot leading to the championship run.
• [74:16–76:55] — Chelsea's defensive approach, film study, and leveraging ballhandling experience as a defender.

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Closing Notes

• Chelsea Gray’s journey this season is a masterclass in resilience, vulnerability, and finding joy amidst pressure.
• The Las Vegas Aces’ dynasty is defined not just by talent but by culture, self-examination, and honest communication—traits modeled by both players and Coach Becky Hammon.
• Off the court, anticipation is high for another lively offseason and a game-changing upcoming WNBA free agency, spurred by the new CBA.

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This episode delivers deep insight into what it takes to build and sustain a WNBA dynasty—on and off the court—through powerful storytelling, player perspective, and authentic conversation.

Transcript

[Host]

What has the last week been like for you?

[Chelsea Gray]

Lots of tequila. It's been great.

[Host]

Tequila, Tequila.

[Chelsea Gray]

It's been great. No, there's just so many moments where we're sitting there looking at each other, we're like, wow, we really won this thing. Because May and June. I keep on saying it was getting scary. It was looking spooky out there.

[Host]

Hey everybody, welcome back to Bird's Eye View. Today's guest is a player whose vision, IQ and passing ability are absolutely incredible. She is a four time WNBA champion and let's not forget she won Finals MVP during her second championship run in 2022. A six time All Star, two time gold medalist, one of the most clutch players the game has ever seen. She's the definition of staying calm under pressure. I I'm talking none other than the point God herself, Chelsea Gray. But before we get into that interview, you know what time it is. It's time for Sue's View. Support for Bird's Eye View comes from the all electric Toyota BZ. What would convince you to go electric? An EPA estimated driving range rating up to 314 miles. Versatile charging capability compatible with most public chargers. Available Premium JBL9 speaker audio. With the all electric Toyota BZ you can get all of the above and more. Available all wheel drive models with X mode and grip control give you enhanced traction and the BZ's portable dual voltage charging cable gives you flexibility to power up the way you want. The all electric BZ OneDrive can change your mind. Learn more at toyota.com BZ Toyota let's go places. This episode is brought to you by Marshalls where you never have to compromise between quality and price. The buyers of Marshalls hustle hard working to bring you great deals on brand name and designer pieces because Marshalls believes everyone deserves access to the good stuff. Visit a Marshalls store near you or shop [e-mail] this week. Bringing my boy Tommy back. Tommy, I know we're talking dynasties. What you got for me?

[Tommy Alter]

I want to start by asking, just broadly speaking, how do you define a dynasty?

[Host]

Great question. I don't know. Like, you know when you see it, it's a great question because I've been thinking about it. I do think there's something to a lot of championships in a short period of time. I don't think it has to have a back to back championship in it. Some people do. I don't think it has to have that. Like the Minnesota Lynx never went back to back. That's certainly a dynasty, but it's Sustained greatness with in large part the same group of people in a short period of time with championships. What about you?

[Tommy Alter]

But, well, so, okay, I. Before I get to my thoughts, because I have a bunch of follow up questions to this, my first specific question, and we can run through some of the, you know, the, the, the w. Franchises that are like borderline dynasties. Is. Is there an amount of gap of time in between championships that would kind of like change the word dynasty and turn it more into just like consistently great franchise? And the first example I want to bring up is the Mercury, who won in 0709 in 2014. Like, does a five year gap mean that they just have been good for a long time, but like, that it's not a dynasty because it's too long in between?

[Host]

Yeah. Now we're going to get in the weeds, I think. So. The reason why I wouldn't call that a dynasty is because they did it with like a different core group of players. But I do want to say I also recognize there can be franchises can be dynasties when they've won in like different decades, eras with different players, but they've had to have had runs.

[Tommy Alter]

Yeah.

[Host]

Within those generations. Right. Like, I don't know, maybe like the Yankees or even, you know, UConn. Women's basketball is a great example. Right. There's certain years like Branna Stewart was a dynasty.

[Tommy Alter]

Women's basketball feels like they're at a different cat. I don't even know what the word is for that, but that's not dynasty.

[Host]

But like, you know what I'm saying? Like, there was like Diana won three in a row. That's like a dynasty. But then they had a huge gap till they won the next time.

[Tommy Alter]

Yeah.

[Host]

So it's like there's like dynasties within dynasties. And I think for Phoenix, it's not a dynasty because of what I just said.

[Tommy Alter]

This is funny because this puts you in a hard spot. But I was going to ask about the Storm and you guys wondered, oh, 4, 10, 18 and 20? And it's like you heard the constant.

[Host]

But it's like, am I my own dynasty?

[Tommy Alter]

Yeah, you're your own dynasty because clearly those are completely. These are completely different rosters. Yeah, I don't think I would consider that to be. It's a really successful franchise, but it's hard to say that those teams are dynastic considering you're basically the only constant in any of them.

[Host]

Yeah, no, I agree. I don't think I would describe the storm as a dynasty. I definitely have a lot of pride in winning four different times with essentially four different coaches. The constant between 2004 and 10 was really just me and Lauren. And then the constant with 2018 and 20 was a starting five. And that's where, you know, I just went on Candace Parker's pod, her and Aaliyah, Boston Post moves. And Candace asked me a great question, just kind of looking back, what years do you think got away from you? And I had an answer. The answer is 2008, for totally different reasons. But when I look back at 2019 and then 2021, we never got to run it back. And I think that would have been my chance. So in 2019, Stewie and I are hurt. We don't play that season, and then in 2021, we lose two starters to free agency. This is sports. We don't know that we win. We don't know what happens. But I look back at that and I'm like, man, that was my chance. That was my chance at a dynasty. Because technically that team, that starting five was two for two. We played two years together. We won twice.

[Tommy Alter]

The what if stuff's really interesting. I was going to run through a few of these other teams that, you know, I kind of wanted to just get your perspective on whether they were dynasties or not. But it feels like the LA Sparks, who want to know one, no, two. But they're still kind of a what if dynasty because of Houston, you know, because they almost won in 99 and 2000. It's like if they win, you know, if they had won even one more of those, you probably. It's probably a no brainer.

[Host]

Yeah, they were knocking. I bet that's probably Lisa Leslie's answer to the year she wished she could get back.

[Tommy Alter]

So The Comets won 97, 2000, swoops, Cooper Thompson. That's clear, right? That's a dynasty.

[Host]

Okay, clear.

[Tommy Alter]

Sparks on the edge. Back to back is back to back. You know, I mean, I know.

[Host]

I don't think back to back means dynasty. I think you have to add to.

[Tommy Alter]

It Detroit, Detroit Shock. Three titles in six years.

[Host]

I think that's a dynasty.

[Tommy Alter]

How about.

[Host]

They're definitely on the lower end of the, of the, the list here in terms of qualification, but I think it's a dynasty.

[Tommy Alter]

I feel like the Lynx are sort of in their own category, too. In the 2010s, four titles, six finals appearances, 4015 playoff record, 10 sweeps. But they also. There was some space between these, and it was different rosters at different points. Where do you categorize them?

[Host]

Yeah, no, So I wouldn't say that what I would say. I would say the opposite, actually. So you're absolutely right. Four titles in seven years. They essentially went every other year. But the reason why. Well, first of all, it's just a dynasty. Period, point blank. It's the same coach Chaudhary's been there the whole time. It's the same four players on all four of those championship teams in Maya Moore, Simone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen and Rebecca Brunson. And then, yeah, the Sylvia Fowles. God, just the hammer that she ended up bringing to that roster, she gets thrown in there. And that's. But that's just for the last two titles. I think having that core group of four extend through all those championships, that, that, that like solidifies it, that that might put them as number one. Because of that, for me, the same.

[Tommy Alter]

Coach thing is interesting. That kind of gets back into the college discussion. I mean, college is trickier to judge these things in general. Obviously, you guys, you know, are the dynamic. UConn is the dynasty of all dynasties. But even in, you know, you know, Tennessee, obviously, South Carolina more recently, and then on the men's side, it's like the Dukes and the, you know, but it does feel like having the constant of the coach can make the fact that you are going to have just undoubtedly more roster turnover. And if you keep winning, it's like you probably would still call these teams dynasties just for winning. I mean, Yukon, Yukon has it in men's and women's, you know, and so. But it does feel like the distinction is a little bit different with how the, you know, the, the makeup of the teams.

[Host]

Yeah, and I think that's what you can make this argument for college too. So I'm not trying to make it a competitive thing, but pro sports, you just. There's so much that can happen in terms of free agency and in terms of roster turnover. And that's, you know, that's what makes it difficult. Right. Like Phoenix, those. You bring up those teams they won with Diana Taurasi, Cappy Pondexter, and yes, they had Penny Taylor as well, as well as a bunch of other talented players. But then when you fast forward, they got two titles together. When you fast forward to 2014, now you've got Brittney Griner, Candice Dupree along with Penny Taylor, and I think Dewana Bonner actually was on probably 2011 and 14. So there is some crossover there. But it's like, yeah, I think the roster just changed so much where kind of. I don't know, now I'm talking myself into them being a dynasty.

[Tommy Alter]

Yeah, see, it's tricky. You can make the argument. I mean, this is what makes this a fun conversation. The Aces are. The Aces now are objectively a dynasty.

[Chelsea Gray]

Right.

[Tommy Alter]

35 and 15 playoff record, back to back, three and four years. That feels like it hits all the. It hits all the metrics, the. The. The marks of it.

[Host]

Yeah, I agree.

[Tommy Alter]

Do you think it will be harder moving forward for teams to do what they've done with the expansion?

[Host]

I do. I do. Not necessarily because of the expansion. So. Not because of expansion. I mean, you might even make an argument it might be easier because of expansion. That's a whole other conversation, I think, because of what we talked about. Tommy, with Cam on Young man three. Just about CBA money going up. It's gonna get interesting because money has never truly been a factor in WNBA free agency. In fact, people were taking less, historically, taking less top players taking less to stay on good teams. But you're talking, you know, a $10,000, $20,000 pay cut. Cause you wanted to be good, and you knew there was gonna be a financial benefit if you were good. Now it might be you're not taking $100,000 pay cuts, you're not taking 200, $300,000 pay cuts. So that's the big question mark. As we head into this new era of a new cba.

[Tommy Alter]

What traits, besides the obvious talent, do you feel like all of these teams that we've just talked about, all these dynasties have in common?

[Host]

Well, first and foremost, we just said it. They all had the same coach. I think having the same coach, having, if not the same, a very similar core group. I think that's really important and especially in the wnba, because again, all the teams we're talking about, we played, they played. In an era where you didn't have a long training camp. I mean, they still don't really have a long training camp, but people were coming in late from overseas. Any team that had a core group that was together multiple years always had a leg up at the start of a season. Always. They were just a little bit ahead of other teams. So that plays a role. And then, I mean, the mvp. Yeah, you got to have an mvp. Now I'm thinking out loud, does that MVP have to be in their prime? Is that one of the. Is that a trait that we're kind of seeing, like Maya Moore, MVP in her prime? Asia, obviously, MVP in her prime? You know, if you go to Houston's, actually Cynthia Cooper, you could argue was like. Because she was older, obviously. The WNBA started when she was an older player, but like Cheryl, Tina, they were entering their primes. Detroit. Detroit might be the one team that they didn't have. Nobody won. I'm thinking out loud again. Yeah. Nobody on that team ever won league mvp, so they're an outlier.

[Tommy Alter]

I would say. The other point besides this is the. And this, I think, is relevant to dynasties across all sports. I'm thinking about, like, the Patriots for. For a second, who obviously have Tom Brady, so they have an mvp, but they also. They have role players who've been there before who just step up. And I do think about this playoffs with. I mean, she's not a role player. She's a star. But like. Like, aces aren't here if Jackie Young doesn't have that tip in, you know, and it's like plays like that that just happen that are like. It's not always the star doing it. It's just people who have been in the moment before who. And, you know, you're about to interview one in a minute, and it's like, this is the. There's a. The. The more you've done it, and you can speak to this better than almost anybody, but the more you've done it, not that it's going to guarantee success, but the. It feels like the calmer you are in these moments, and that kind of can't be, like, faked, you know, you kind of either live through it or not.

[Host]

Yeah. It's hard to teach somebody experience. You can't. Right. You just have to experience it. So I definitely think that's true. You just reminded me of something. There's this book. It's called the Captain Class. It is by Sam Walker. I actually had the chance to, like, meet him, chat with him. He did a whole book on dynasties. And the captains of those dynasties didn't always have to be the captain of the team. And honestly, of all, he did like the Spurs, U.S. women's soccer team, Connecticut Huskies, gets a nod in there. You know, the All Blacks in New Zealand. Like, all these different dynasties across all different sports. And it's interesting because he talks about the traits and he gets in the weeds on it. And where he lands is there's always, like, there's one player in each of those dynasties, and. And it wasn't the mvp. Now, that player had. Each player in each dynasty was different, so that wasn't like, one trait. But he called it the captain's class for a reason. Yeah. And it makes sense.

[Tommy Alter]

It's Such an interesting thing to like, do a deep dive on. On. Every championship team has one or two people like this who are not usually not the star. You know, it's just the. It's just the. It's just the captain reliable. I think you. You were talking about this. I don't know that we've talked about it with this particular Aces team because it's kind of just so fresh. But I think when they beat the Liberty, you're talking about this elite about alicia, right? Yeah, A.C. yeah, she was just somebody that was like, she just knows how to win. Because remember when they. They won the game, they. When they beat the Liberty a couple years ago in New York and they had all these injuries and they kind of had no business winning that game health wise, but you were just like, they know how to win and they're comfortable. Plum was another one on that team. This is like just comfortable. They know how to.

[Host]

That's a good point. But, yeah, because Chelsea Gray, who's coming up next, she breaks her foot. You had two players like in boots, Chelsea and Kia Stokes, and those were two huge holes that need to be filled. And AC Played a big role in that. And to your point, it wasn't about, you know, it was really impressive. She had to play the four a lot. She was like playing the three. She was playing the four. You know, it wasn't necessarily doing the things she always did, but she just knew. She knew exactly what needed to be done. And that's literally whatever needed to be done. She did.

[Tommy Alter]

Interesting thing about watching, I think the Liberty Links last year was like this. The NBA Finals with Indy OKC was like this issue too. When you have two teams that have not won, I mean, Stewie had won before in a different, you know, setting, but when you have two teams who have not won, it's like people finding that stuff in real time.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Tommy Alter]

You know? Cause it's like, it's because otherwise. It's like otherwise you. Otherwise you're always going to kind of take the side of the team that's been there before, I think in a deciding game, just because they are going to be. Because they have that experience. But when there is. When you have two who haven't done it, it's kind of like they're figuring it out on the fly.

[Host]

Yeah. And now you're kind of leading me to this question of when you've won multiple times and you look back on it and I can ask Chelsea Gray this question. What's harder? When I think back on the first Time I've won things, whether it was in college, wnba, so on and so forth. It's easier because you have an ignorance about you, but it's also really hard because you've never done it and you're flying the plane while building it. And I think as you go, and this is to circle back on dynasties in general as you go along in your career and you win multiple times, the ignorance is no longer, you know too much and now you're stressed about everything because you know too much. And winning under that, you know, mindset has its own difficulties. So it's always, I find stuff like that in sports so fascinating. So we have the perfect person to ask. So let's get to Chelsea. Chelsea Gray, welcome to the show. Thank you for coming on.

[Chelsea Gray]

Thank you. Thanks.

[Host]

We've. I've got big news for you. You are now an official member of the Four Rings Club.

[Chelsea Gray]

Four of them.

[Host]

Let's go. Let's four them things.

[Chelsea Gray]

I know.

[Host]

Let's go. Let's go. Fun fact, for those that don't know, you are now the only active WNBA player to have four rings to be playing with four rings. So that's really cool. Give it to us. Give us, like, just. What has the last almost week now, what has the last week been like for you?

[Chelsea Gray]

Lots of tequila has been great.

[Host]

Tequila. Tequila.

[Chelsea Gray]

It's been great. No, there's just so many moments where we're sitting there looking at each other. We're like, wow, we really won this thing. Because May and June, I keep on saying it was getting scary. It was looking spooky out there. It was crazy. We still, like, internally, we're just like, come on, y'. All, we just need to. We need to go on a run. We didn't know it was gonna be that type of run that we went on. We were just like, we need to, like, we need to start stacking games and, like, being better no matter where we're at, like, listed in the playoffs and, like, standings, we needed, like, we wanted to, like, feel better going to the playoffs. And I was always like, listen, you want to be playing your best basketball going to the playoffs. I don't care what May and June look like, but you want to be playing your best.

[Host]

The truth is, I feel like that's something you always say, like, right. Like, teams always say that when they're kind of like, hey, guys, we just gotta. We just gotta find our groove. Hey, guys, we just gotta get momentum. We wanna be playing great in the playoffs, but not everybody does it. Not everybody actually does it? And we're gonna get in. I mean, I have so many questions. We're gonna get into all of that. But you kind of already said it. Like, this season. I hope there were cameras following you guys. This is like, what sports documentaries and sports movies. It had everything. It had everything. It had, like, the lows. It had, like, the come together moment in the vehicle. This time was Asia's text message. We're talking about that a little bit too. But my question to start off is actually, like, when you're in your quiet moments on this one and you kind of touched on it, like, when you and your teammates are around each other, like, when it gets quiet for a second and it's just you. What are, like, the feelings that are coming up? I feel like with each championship, you probably had a different feeling or theme to it. So when you're in your quiet moments, like, joy, relief, satisfaction, like, there's so many different. What does this one bring up for you?

[Chelsea Gray]

It's a lot more emotional than the other ones. Like, it's like, woo hoo. It's a lot more like, up and down. Like, I'm thinking back to how, like, personally, individually, how I was playing in May and June. It was nowhere near the level that I wanted to play at, and it wasn't gonna be good enough. Like, flat out, it wasn't gonna be good enough. I'm sure a lot of people would say that, like, about our team. Like, individuals would say that, like, I was not playing the way I wanted to play. It was a lot of joy and, like, relief and like, I feel like from about July, August, I feel like I was holding my breath, like, just waiting and waiting and just like, whew, okay. And then finally when we won, it was like, I remember, like, sitting on the bus and I was just sitting there like this. Like, I wasn't even texting. I wasn't drinking champagne. It was like a sigh and like, I finally let out, like, a big gasp of air. And then I would say a lot of, like, joy and happiness and, like, proud of myself, you know, you're proud of your team, but I'm proud of, like, my journey this year, especially after all the noise and all the stuff from last year.

[Host]

It's interesting you say relief, especially just because you guys obviously have high expectations, high expectations of yourselves. But then the way the season was going, it is. It's hard to call you, like, a surprise, but at the same time, like, the way it unfolded, it was like, holy shit. Like, they just won 16 in a row like, holy shit, they're in the finals. You know. So to hear you say relief, I think my first thought and the kind of what I want to ask you is, was it because of 2024 that season, the noise? Then you have. You have a high of unrivaled. You're like, okay, I'm an unrivaled champ. I'm playing well. I'm taking all that energy into the WNBA season. And then like you said, May and June, you felt like you weren't like quite there yet. So just kind of like that roller coaster. Is that where some of that relief lives?

[Chelsea Gray]

For sure. I was hurt in 50, 60, so some days not even that last year. And so it was really. I don't get a lot of gratification from outside noises that's not really around me because I know what I do. But it was hurtful. Even people that I felt like understood how good I was and how good I am. And for me to have one year and all that kind of be like, oh, this is the representation of what this player is now and what I am going to be in the future. And oh, she's done. Oh, she's this. Like that. Just like, damn, y'. All. One year, somebody get hurt. And it's just all of these things just kept on flooding, like my head and my space. And then, yes, I go to unrivaled and I'm just like, f you guys. Like, I'm back. I don't know what y' all talking about. And I said it like, after winning, I was like, y' all, like, keep that same kind of energy. And then I started the season, I'm like, damn, chub, you talking shit now. You need to back it up and what's going on here? And then July and August come around and things start turning and we win in the way we won. We came at the whole league in the world in a wave like we overtook a lot of things. And it was like, oh, like, here they come. That's the vibe I was getting. Like, here they come. And so for me personally, I was. It was a sigh of relief because all the, like the noise that happened the year before, for sure, the doubt, like self doubt starts to creep in a little bit with all of that, especially when you have one down. Your inner use of having a standard. And so it was just really tough. And then you had like Olympics last year. I wasn't the same at the Olympics. Like, all of that kind of stuff creeping in. And yeah, the sigh of relief was like, no, this is. You're here. This is who you are. Like, don't ever, like, second guess that. So I feel like I had to go through that to, you know, figure it out this year, and I won't ever be like that again.

[Host]

Yeah, I know. Yeah. What do you think the biggest lesson is? Is it something like, what are you gonna take from. Really, the last. Like, you said, like, the last full year, what are you gonna take with you where if you are presented with tough times again, like, what are you gonna remember?

[Chelsea Gray]

Not to sound like, I don't know. It's not, like, cliche, but, like, find joy. Like, you've. You've. Like, I've accomplished so much. Like, find joy in these moments. And, like, in the process, as much as, like, it was hurtful and it was hard. It prepared you for something later. I had no idea. So I was like, find the joy. Like, keep the joy. There were moments where I was just like, I'm not really having fun. It was hard coming back. I felt like a step slow. I'm like, this is not fun. I don't like it. So I would say, find the joy. And I would tell myself, like, good job, kid. Like, you did what you were supposed to do where you thought you were capable of doing.

[Host]

Okay, so what do you think clicked for you, for you personally? We're gonna get into some of the team stuff later, but, like, for you personally, like, what was the corner that you turned?

[Chelsea Gray]

I. There was a morning, I remember, and I texted Becky, and I was like, I need to have a conversation with you. And I met in her office, and I started crying. Like, I was super vulnerable, and I was like, listen, this isn't me. I feel like all these outside pressures, and it's just. It's taking too much out of me to not give, like, in my team and in the way, like, I win and make other people great. And she was just like, who you are and what you're capable of is enough. Like, don't think outside that. What you're doing and what you've been doing all of your career is enough. And I was just like, it is enough. Like, this is how I've become champion. And so after that conversation, we had practice, we had some games. I need to look back in my calendar to see when exactly that conversation was and before which game. But after that, like, I went into the game, like, so much freer. Like, I got that off my chest to the coaches, like, looking at me in games, like, we're not really. Like, there were times that me and Becky were beefing, and we're like two peas in a pod during the game. And so it was just. It was very uncomfortable, vulnerable to a T. But it kind of twisted, like, shifted my mindset. Like, man, I started dishing the ball. I think I came out with, like, 8 assists, 7 assists, 10. Like, that was the way. That was the way, like, this program and the way I've been playing. That's what people are used to, and that's how we flow. And so that right there, that conversation was the turning point. I just needed games behind it. I would have, like, one good game, one good practice, and then. Nah. And then I was just like, come on. Consistency is what you're all about, right?

[Host]

Right. What do you think it is about Becky? I feel like I've heard the word vulnerable get talked about a lot in, like, your run, but then also afterwards, like, all you guys keep talking about, like, the team and the vulnerability and how you have it and how you show it. What is it about Becky that you felt comfortable to do that and that she, like, creates an environment where it feels safe to do that?

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah. I always say that Becky has this great knack and, like, balance of, like, you can come to her like a best friend, that you can cry, whatever, but she's also like, this person that's gonna yell at you and hold you accountable for. And it's like this balance of, like, what's up, homie? What's up? What's good? Like, she'll talk to you like that. It'll be awesome. And then she'll be like, no, but get your ass on health side. What are you doing over there? Like, we went over this, and you're just like, uh, oh, I'm in trouble. Like, it's like, she has a great balance of when to hug you or when to, like, yell at you, when to, like, bring you along, when to let you, like, be by yourself. She has a great balance in that, and so it allows us to come to her, and, like, there's this trust that she, like, radiates. I don't even understand. Like, it's just something that she's. It's a gift that she has with people. And so when you're. Nothing gets really more intimate except, like, your family, when you're in a close space with your team. And so her kind of creating that environment, as soon as she stepped into Vegas, the culture was, like, established as soon as she got the job. And so it's just been building over time. And I don't know if I would have had that conversation with her the first year, probably the second. But this year, it was just like, we've built so much trust and. And, like, equity in each other that I gotta come with you with honest and raw feeling and emotion.

[Host]

Yeah. No, I mean, I love that. That sounds. It's such a. We all have someone in our life who you can go to and do that. Well, I hope people have someone in their life, but to have it be your coach who is the same person that's gonna critique you and yell at you and all these things, I think that gives it even more power, you know, when you can. Yeah. When you can share that with them. Okay. So before you came on the show, I was chatting with Tommy Alter. He comes on. We do, like, banter before we get into the interviews. And one of the topics that came up was just, like, dynasties in general, what does a dynasty mean? So first, I'm just gonna ask you real fast. Do you have a definition? You guys are a dynasty. So it's not about if, but what is like, overall when you just look at sports, what's, like, your definition of a dynasty?

[Chelsea Gray]

One championships. Like, multiple championships has to be, like, part of it. Multiple championships. I feel like it's not really, like, a sentence definition. I feel like there's, like, what you gotta kind of tick off to be a dynasty. You feel me? So, like, championships won with, like, the same core or, like, maybe switch out some things, but, like, same kind of core championships. And I feel like dynasties are feared and looked up to and sets the goals. People try to strive to be like this organization or strive to be the dynasty. Who doesn't want to be a dynasty or want to win multiple championships? If you don't want, you're in the wrong business if you don't raise your hand if you don't want to do that. So I feel like that is pretty much, like, the three things you can do, like, different subcategories and stuff. But those three things, for sure.

[Host]

No, that's. I really like the one about being feared. Cause it's true. Yeah, it's true. And even just sitting here. I'm not gonna say it out loud, but even just sitting here, and I'm thinking of all the WNBA dynasties. I'm like, I know which ones I was scared of and which ones I was kind of like. I mean, compete and stuff, but just.

[Chelsea Gray]

Like, damn, we got them. We matching up with them. Yes.

[Host]

Yeah, no, it's really.

[Chelsea Gray]

I like, on that run, like, the comments, like, when you talk about, like, stuff like that. Like, you were just like, all right, we coming. We coming for you. And, you know, I slid in one championship in there while they were. While Minnesota was doing that. But it's just like, you kind of like, give off the impression, like, oh, no, you need to come with your shit today if you gonna be this type of feeling.

[Host]

Yeah. Actually, since you're bringing it up, like, what was it? What was the experience playing against a team that had already, at that point, won two championships? Wait, so this is three championships?

[Chelsea Gray]

I think it was.

[Host]

So there. Yeah, there were three. So they were like 2017. Yeah, yeah. So they won. Yeah. 11, 13, 15. Then you face them in 2016. So you're playing against a dynasty in the finals. What was that? What was it like being on the other side, nerve wracking.

[Chelsea Gray]

It was only my second year in the league. So, like.

[Host]

So I was like.

[Chelsea Gray]

So. So the language was. I was still trying to get caught up in the language. And I always say, like, I was young, I was like, I'm gonna be here for you guys, but you guys go win us the championship. You guys go get it done. And then now I come to Vegas and we have, like, rookies and stuff. It's like, I'm gonna be here, but you. And I'm looking like, dang, the seats really changed here.

[Host]

Oh, yeah. The rules are reversed.

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah, but it was fun, man. I learned so much, like, just being in those moments, how to be calm within a storm. Like, it was rocking in Minnesota and it was game five. Like, we won on their home floor. I've never won a championship at home. And so that was my experience doing that in mini game 5 off of an old board after I bricked it, doing a turnaround fade off.

[Host]

You had a game winner. You had game winners that series.

[Chelsea Gray]

That's true, that's true. I'm just saying, like, I just. Like, I bricked it. Thank God NECA got it and did a putback, but it was a learning experience, like, the game's never over. How to make changes from game one to game two, that was my first experience of doing that. How do you get better in the playoffs? One tweak or one change can change a whole series or a whole game because it makes all the difference. We made a change in game one when we went zone. That changed the trajectory of that game. It's like little things that you had no idea that made such a big difference until you're in it.

[Host]

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[Chelsea Gray]

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[Host]

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[Chelsea Gray]

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[Chelsea Gray]

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[Chelsea Gray]

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[Host]

Big gifts, big perks. That's why you rack. Yeah, no, I noticed in watching your guys finals run there was a lot of and I want to get into that too. God, there's so much I want to get into because you guys did a lot of junk defenses which I loved. It really changed the thing up. So one more question, something that Tommy and I talked about earlier also that I want to get your opinion on. All right so now you've won with, like, different stakes, right? So there's. In la, you're a rookie, and it's like, your first one. So that's one type of, like, stake. Then you get to Vegas, and, you know, it's your first time as a group in 2022, so there's still some, like, newness to it. It's still your first time, but you're like a vet. Your experience, you've won before. That's a different version. And then you see where I'm going. Then you went back to back. And now this one, you had to, like, come out of a hole to find it. So which do you think is what's, like, the hardest type of. Really. This one.

[Chelsea Gray]

This one was tough.

[Host]

Why? Tell me why.

[Chelsea Gray]

And I know, like, we swept, like. I think it was tough from the standpoint of where we were, May or June, and how we were playing and our film sessions were tough. Like, ooh, there were some uncomfortable parts.

[Host]

She put that mirror up. Huh? She put that mirror up.

[Chelsea Gray]

She was just like. And if you think it's somebody fault, like, look in the effing mirror. Like, all, like, it was bad. Like, this song was really, really tough. 2023 was tough because I wasn't able to play, to close it out because I was hurt. So it was just like, a different feeling. Like, thank you, guys. Whew. Thank you. Even though I wasn't able to play. So this year, just, like, as a team, we were just like, together. We gotta get there. Just trucking along, trying to get through. And finally we was like, all right, we see a little. See a little light at the end of the tunnel. And so this one, I feel like they're all tough, but this one was. It was a battle from May until a few days ago.

[Host]

Yeah, no, I kind of. I didn't say it in that way, but I think, like, where I land is the same. It's like. In some ways, I might say the first one was the easiest because you, like, didn't know any better. Yeah, there was, like, some ignorance is bliss to it. Then you get older, you win multiple times, and now you, like, know too much, and it's, you know, so it's like. Yeah, I think it's similar. The later ones are just always a little harder, you know. You know, a little too much. And then I'm finding it really interesting that, you know, I think 2022 for you, you were in the fucking flow state of the century. So it's like, that was your easiest one, is that what? I'm like, you motherfucker, are shooting 68%.

[Chelsea Gray]

I know, I know. And I just. That whole thing, it's not really like a blur. I'm just like. I was so tunnel focused. I lost my mind from September to the end.

[Host]

I was just like, I was there.

[Chelsea Gray]

Sorry.

[Host]

I was there. No, I know.

[Chelsea Gray]

I'm kidding.

[Host]

I love how this comes up every time. No, but I'm bringing that up because what is your stance on like, clutch Gene? Right. Cause you have become one of the most clutch in the current wnba. But then I think ultimately it'll be in WNBA history. We already talked about some of your clutch shots in la. You've continued to do that in all these playoff runs and all these moments. You did it in game four. We're gonna get to that in a second. So what do you like, what's your stance on clutch Dean? Or how do you describe it when asked about your clutchness?

[Chelsea Gray]

Somebody that does it consistently, no matter the stage. I think when you do it in regular season, you do it in the playoffs. That just shows up in those moments. And what's crazy, like, a lot of those shots, it's tunnel focus. It's everything. Like in those moments, like, you gotta have tunnel focus sometimes it might not be the shot. Sometimes you gotta make the greatest decision. Like you need split second, like accuracy. But the shots that I take, they're not crazy shots. They're like, they're the same shots that I would shoot in the first quarter. Just like the time on the clock is different and so your headspace is a little bit different. I will be crazy. I'll be like, oh, yeah, the half court shot. Like, I don't. I've never shot or won a game on a half court shot. All I know is like, get into a pull up or three, maybe a layup. Like something that I've done consistently throughout the course of a game is just in that moment. Like, it's a tunnel focus to me. So for me, like, clutch is somebody that does it consistently regular season, playoffs, no matter the time.

[Host]

Yeah. I think for you, when I think about some of your shots, you're always getting to your spots. It's like you are really doing the things you've done throughout the course of the game, you know, and it's. That's what makes it hard. Every. It's in a sense, you know, all the, like the people guarding, you know, like what you like to do. And you're still. Yeah. And you're still able to do it. So if we move to. Oh, the other thing about. I feel like, clutch moments. And it sounds like you're saying it too, like you're locked in. It actually gets really quiet.

[Chelsea Gray]

Mm.

[Host]

For me, it's like.

[Chelsea Gray]

It's really calm.

[Host]

It's just really quiet and calm. Yeah. It's not. Honestly, if you feel anxiousness or anything like that, that's actually a tell, you know, it's like, oh, is this moment getting to a player? You know? But, like, generally speaking, in those clutch moments, there is. There's just like, a quiet calmness to it.

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah, I messed up. I know we're gonna talk about team in playoffs, but there was a clutch moment where I turned the ball over. Game two versus Seattle, and I damn near rolled the ball out of bounds when I was trying to pass it to Jackie. And we do that play a thousand times. I've passed that. I passed some crazy passes to Asia and Jackie a thousand times. And that one, I was just a second too early, and, oh, my gosh, it was eating me up. So it was just like those clutch moments. Whether it's a pass or a shot. That one I was just like, I will never. I won't be able to come back from if we. If we don't win this series.

[Host]

Yeah, if you don't win the series. Yeah. That was a great play, by the way.

[Chelsea Gray]

Great.

[Host]

I wrote that one down.

[Chelsea Gray]

It was like, rewind. Becky kid in the playoffs, undefeated.

[Host]

Yeah, I actually. Jackie came on a touch more with me and Megan, and she was talking about telling you guys, not you. You've been there. She was telling, like, the new players, probably, like, Jewel Dana, like, wait till you see Becky in the playoffs.

[Chelsea Gray]

Wait till you see her in the playoffs. She comes. I was like, go get in your. Go get in your duffel, Becky. Come on. We've been waiting for it. Come get in your duffel. Real.

[Host]

Yo, that's so funny you said that, because Jackie was saying. Telling us the story and saying. Yeah, we always say, like, she gets in her Birkin in the playoffs. And Megan was like, is that what's in that hood? Is she keeping it in the hood? She got all of her blazer. We were rolling.

[Chelsea Gray]

Oh, man. Her hoodie. Blazer, man, is taking this. This league by storm.

[Host]

Okay, so back to game four. So game four of the finals. And I hear you, by the way, so I want to, like, debunk this. I know you guys swept. When you're in the playoffs and you're in the finals and it's a series, even when you're up 3 0. You're still like, oh, my God, what if they win this one and then they win the next one? And then they win the next one, and then we're in game seven. Like, you're constantly. You have, like, the fear of what if? So it's like that. I feel like people are like, oh, they swept. Nobody should be saying that. Like, that's not how this works when you're in the moment. And so you were in a moment in game four where you guys were up a lot. And then they made one of their comebacks, and they did that in game three, too. But now it's game four. You know, you want to end this thing. They cut it to. Actually, you know what? I'm going to stop there. You hit a bunch of threes, and I'm curious which one of those threes you felt like was most important in that game. And just like on the court, one drive can change your mind on how a game is won. This play of the game is presented by the all electric Toyota bz.

[Chelsea Gray]

I believe it was the one where they just collapsed on Asia at the free throw line. Because I had just hit one, I think, in front of Becky, and I had missed a couple pull ups. Like, I was like, come on, man. Like, this is right here in my wheelhouse. Got, you know, right there in the paint. And it was. It was kind of contested three and Aja kind of. I screamed for her, and then I popped out, and I'm like, the free throw lane extended. And she passed it to me and I knocked it down. And I remember Alaina Beer sitting on the sideline, and I look at her like this. Like, I was just. I was so pumped because that was the shot that we needed. But it was like they were trying to climb back. They were trying. They were matching our buckets. They got a couple and ones, but I just needed, like, one of those. And Asia needed to free up a little bit, and they were helping on her a little too much. And so that one, I believe, was the biggest, biggest three that I hit.

[Host]

Okay, so just to give context, you're absolutely right. They were calling back. They cut it to six. You hit your first three in front of Becky. So that kind of pushed it back to nine. So it gave a little breathing room. But you're right. It was like a couple possessions go by. They cut it back to six again. And so here you are again. There was five minutes and 15 seconds. This is the possession we're talking about. And I want you to, like, go Back to that moment. Five minutes, you're dribbling the ball off the court. When you hit this three, you extend it back to nine, so it's this. Another big moment. But what are you thinking? Are you. Did you call that play intentionally?

[Chelsea Gray]

Mm.

[Host]

Mm. Like, how. Yeah, like, how did it unfold for you as, like, the point guard?

[Chelsea Gray]

Um, well, they were kind of defending it a little bit different sometimes with Asia at the elbow, knowing she's dangerous there. So I was trying to set, like, a football blocking screen to allow her to come off with her left. Like, she needed a good touch, a good look at the basket, but the way they played it and was able to shoot through it, it was just like, I didn't get a good enough screen for her to, like, completely turn the corner, and she didn't want to force it, which is crazy, because a lot of people, when they think about clutch moments or, like, key moments of a game, they think, like, oh, the last two minutes, the last minute, you know, the 42nd shot. Oh, my goodness. But there's turning points in a game where it's just like, oh, man, that was a huge one. Where it could be a momentum shifter or. And so in that moment, I was just like, let's try to get her a bucket. Or, like, she goes downhill. She doesn't have it. She kicks it out to the wing, and they come off, and we use a little bit more of the shot clock. But, man, I just come up and set a screen because they were kind of top locking me from me going off. And we've done that play before where Asia's the ball handler, and we do a screen and roll, and she stopped. She was like, well, she didn't cross the free throw line, really, and popped it back out to me. I was like, let me let it go. I just hit one. It feels good. And it went in, so. And I like that little slot area, so that was cool.

[Host]

Yeah. Yeah. Okay, so when you look at the run, like, the playoff run in totality, Right. A lot of people are going to talk about the sweep, and they're going to forget that, you know, you went to a decisive game three against the Storm in the first round, decisive game five against Indiana in the semis. How did those two series and how they played out help you for the finals? And, like, what did you. What did you learn something? Maybe something. You know, what? Did you learn something new about your team in those two series, or did it just solidify something that already existed?

[Chelsea Gray]

Okay, two parts. So one, Seattle and Indiana prepared Us for Phoenix, honestly, because one, Seattle was long. They were versatile. We had to switch some things. Like, you had Britney Sykes coming off. Then you had Gabby Williams, Skylar going downhill. And then you had, like, a post with neca. And then, like, they were long. They had different people that were able to come in and be effective in different areas. Then you have Indiana super fast with Kelsey Mitchell downhill, defending in your grill. Lexi hole. I mean, you have a presence inside with Aaliyah, Boston, that's gonna be a bruiser. They're aggressive defensively. Then we get to Phoenix. That's long. That's versatile. You got satu. You got KA at. Like, you have some versatility there, and long defenders, which we face in Seattle, but you also have at that's kind of a bruiser. Doesn't. Really doesn't shoot from the outside. Wants to get layups and push down and transition. Because Indiana, like, they were off to the races every single time. And so that kind of us having those two series prepared us more with Phoenix than we even understood. What we learned is that we can win in different. In a variety of ways. And our small ball work was really, really good. And us being able to put people in position, different positions or different moments to win a game with me as the four defender, you know, and that our small ball hurt a lot of people because it was really, really hard for people to defend. With Jackie going downhill, Dana going downhill, Jewel spacing the floor, Asia in the middle. She has a lot of space. Cause who you about to help off of those series? Those, like, preliminaries, quarterfinals, semifinals, really prepared us to win in different ways and allowed different people to show up and have their moment. Dana having her moment, Jewel having their moment. L. Game two versus Indiana. Like, people had moments to, like, step up. And so I think I was really proud of that part of it.

[Host]

Yeah. Real quick. You know, you mentioned Kelsey Mitchell. You played against a lot of great players in this run, but she, I feel like, emerged this year and this playoff run, especially with all the injuries they had, she really emerged. What makes her, like, you're doing the scour report on her, right? What makes her so difficult? Like, I think people don't fully understand.

[Chelsea Gray]

You know, then they talk about cars that they go 0 to 60 and then stop on a dime. That is Kelsey Mitchell. She can go, like, from start to finish, stop on a dime, knock down a three. She finishes around the basket. Well, with her, like, versatility able to get to the basket, she'll dribble out. You think you're Sleeping and pop a three. Like, she can score, like in transition in the half court. She's so. Her stop and go is so, like, tricky. It's like you don't really want to be up because she's quick enough to go downhill and get past you, but you can't be too far back because she'll stop and pop the three. You have to play her like, one on one and stuff like that. But you need. It's like a team defense that's kind of built around her and it makes it super difficult when you have somebody that can stop and go like that and shoot it at a high clip as well.

[Host]

Yeah, she was really fun to watch. And she is. She's like a little Energizer Bunny out there.

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah.

[Host]

She has like a hop to her.

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah.

[Host]

Like, I think some people, when I.

[Chelsea Gray]

Say angry, she's down the court flying in a couple seconds, and next thing you know, I'm looking at the shot clock and the ball's going through the net and there's 18 seconds left. Like, how did you get all the way down here with four of us already back, you know?

[Host]

Yeah. With players like that, with teams like that, you can't relax. That's what makes them so challenging. Like, the minute you take a beat, just like blink for a second, they're gone. It's so hard.

[Chelsea Gray]

I agree.

[Host]

Yeah. But you brought up something else that I want to talk about. I'm like, loving this. You're just bringing up all my topics. There were a lot of pivotal moments in this front. You already mentioned Dana Evans in game one. Jackie's third quarter in game two set a record 21 points. Asia's game winner in game three. Jewel's threes throughout. Honestly, the barrage of threes, you guys in game three and four, I think in both games, definitely in game three, you hit nine threes before the. Before halftime. I think you did something similar in game four, too. So first of all, you've kind of already touched on it, but what does that do for you when you're surrounded by players and you're on a team where it could be anyone's. Any given night, it could be anyone's night. How does that help you specifically?

[Chelsea Gray]

I like to see, like, who's going that day, like, where, like, where are they liking the basketball. And it's helpful for me to like, do play calls or like, certain matchups. There's certain moments where I'm just like, we need to take advantage of it, even if it's a two minute span. And it's like three possessions in a row. We gotta go back to it. We gotta exploit it. Cause, you know, in the playoffs, there's like this short window where it can make or break a game, Change the game. Yeah. So, like, you have to exploit that. In one of the games, they were having a problem when Dana was going downhill. And it was. We were small, but people were spaced out. And you run this person into it. Jackie was going downhill, but also a flare was coming. Like, some of those moments were so huge and pivotal to changing the game. And so I love it because I'm able to. I just love sitting back and being like, okay, we're going to do this, that, and that. Like, coming out of a time, I was just like, let's mess with them here and do that. So in that moment, like, my IQ and like, my thoughts are just flowing and I'm loving it. So for me, I love that aspect of it. Like, okay, I found something. Let's exploit it. Oh, they're gonna do this. Okay, I found something else because they did that. Like, let's change it this way. And so for me, that's like, one of my favorite parts of, like, the mind games and just switching stuff up in the moment.

[Host]

What are you doing to prepare for these moments? Do you just have all of these play calls just, like, locked? Right? Like, you got a Rolodex in your head that you can just pull from at any time? Or are you, prior to a game being like, okay, if you're watching film and you're like, okay, if they do this with Dana, I got these. If they do this with Jewel, I got that. Jackie this, Asia that. Like, how do you prepare for those moments? What works best for you?

[Chelsea Gray]

Some of it is watching film and how they play certain ball screens or, like, past ball screens. But in the playoffs, somebody might switch everything up or switch the matchups up. So I know certain plays that each player really likes or that they want to go to. They may not make it, but, like, they, like, they're comfortable in that. In that play, with that play, or if their defender is this person, who do I bring up? Who do I want to bring up? Are they going to. Are there tendencies to trap? Can we exploit that? So going into the game, I do kind of have that Rolodex, like, in my. In my head. But I have conversations with Becky. There's a couple times where I told our assistant coach ct, I was like, remind me of these two plays. I gave her two plays. Like, remind me of those two plays. And I ran it like in a third quarter because I had been seeing it first and second quarter. So I was like, all right, they haven't seen this yet. Like, let's go to it. Or if there was one play, like Jackie needed a touch going in halftime, she needed one to see go through the basket. Okay, let's call this play to at least give her a good look. And so it's just a feel, especially with playing with people that you've played with before. Me and Jewel hadn't played with each other, so it took us a minute to kind of figure it out. Or like when she would run a transition. She likes the left side, she likes the right side. Like where? And so it just takes time and chemistry and everybody to understand it. And in playoffs it's all about those little adjustments, right?

[Host]

I mean, you bring up Jewel. What did you. Well, what have you learned about Jewel? What's been like the best part about playing with Jewel in a WNBA season as opposed to just. I think you've only played with her with USA Basketball, right? Yeah. So what, so what was that like? Honestly, it was probably a journey. You guys were on this like journey during the season. So what was that like for you?

[Chelsea Gray]

It was a super journey. Like, she was just like, okay, that's where you want me to run? Oh, I understand. Okay, now I gotta be ready to shoot this basketball. Like without. I would come into a pick a roll and just shoot it over to it. Cause the like, I understand that it takes kind of an adjustment to play with me sometimes. Cause I just, I won't pass it right away. Cause I see something else. But Jewel's like calmness and confidence, her like quiet confidence is something that I really enjoyed. I'm usually like this calm within the storm. I got everything going on, but it was nice having her presence. And when she speaks, everybody listens. She sent the best text I think she sent all year before game three and four in the finals. And it was what was needed. Like, it wasn't Asia's voice, it wasn't me in the huddle, it was Jules. Like straight to the point. Like, forget all this. Like, it was great. And so I really appreciated the level headedness and like the experience that she exuded throughout the season and really in the playoffs. Cause that's like most common in my mind. It was really, really fun to compete with. And defensively too, like, she was on it and so I really applauded that and respected that. It made my appreciation of what she's been through and her journey and why she's had so many championships and she's 10. 0 in the finals. Like, come on.

[Host]

I know, man.

[Chelsea Gray]

I know. You were part of those. And it's cool and it's great. And she's been used to, like, playing with you. Like, she's been used to playing with somebody, the point guard that sees it for other people. It's just. It took her some time. She's been without you for a minute, and then it comes over here and she's like, okay, okay, okay. Got it. So it was cool, like, her quiet confidence as she came out of her shell. It was really nice to see and what we needed as a team.

[Host]

Yeah. Jewel has grown so much, so much. And I think she did. Do, you know, a lot of little things for you guys, like, even her offensive rebounding.

[Chelsea Gray]

Like, she was in there all the time. I was like, what? She's. All of a sudden, I see her flying in there and she saves us possessions, like, stuff that doesn't always show up on the stat sheet. It was perfect for us. But they're winning plays.

[Host]

Yeah. What did you think when she asked Becky to start coming off the bench? Like, what was the initial thought? What is this?

[Chelsea Gray]

What is happening? But she was just like. But we were like. Like, we just made it a. Made a change. Just see if it works. Like, that's the thing. You can always change your mind back. That's. That's the thing with. With, like, lineups and. And changes. Like, you're. You can change. You can do it again. Like, you can go back to it if it doesn't work. And for her to say that. I felt like that said a lot more about Jewel than anything. It wasn't about, like, Becky. The team was just like, listen, I'm not getting it done how I want to do it. Let's make a change, and I think this will be better. It took a lot of vulnerability. It took a lot of security in who she is as a person, as a player to do that. You know, you don't see.

[Host]

She had to put her ego to the side.

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah, you don't see that because you.

[Host]

Know the outside world is going to go, you're not starting. Yeah, you know, that's coming.

[Chelsea Gray]

You know, you know, it's coming as a front, like, to Becky, to the organization, to us that get media. A lot is coming to her, like, social everything. And so for her to do that, it took a lot of, like, strength on her end, personally, to be able to do that. It shifted for us, like, Damn near immediately. Also the list trade, like all of these different things and these building blocks were all built into, like, bring us all together.

[Host]

I mean, you're bringing up the mid season trade, but obviously Jewel got there via trade. You kind of already talked about it taking time, but what was. Cause I feel like nowadays we just live in a world. You see it in every sport. You see in every sport nowadays we live in a world where a team, you know, you added Jewel Lloyd to your roster, obviously you lost Plum, but you add Jewel Lloyd to your roster and people are like, they're wanting to see a fully formed right team, like, perfectly gelled in one way right away. Yeah. They want to see it immediately, and that takes time. So what was the pressure like there? That's where a lot of the outside noise, it's hard to block out.

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah, I feel like she had. I don't want to speak for her, but outside looking in pressures to be something or be like, it was like you were moving a puzzle piece and adding a different one and they're supposed to fit the exact same way, and that's just not the way it was going to work. And we were. We were just like, listen, you're. You. You're completely different. Like, we're different as a unit. Like, it wasn't just, guess that was a huge part of our trade, but like, we got different people from the bench, from the coaching staff to this. Like, a lot of things were different. And so the outside noise with that, it put a lot of pressure. Like, okay, well, you're supposed to be doing the same thing. Let's see if you could do it. And us winning and just like, well, we did it. Thank you. Thank you guys for not having confidence in us in April and May. So there was definitely pressure there to be. When you have these names and these accolades and the experiences and stuff, it's just like you want that because that means you have done something. Like, you have achieved these trophies and accomplishments that you've been working for a long time to accomplish. But it's like you accomplished that because you were free and able to do it. And so it just took time for us as a unit, but herself to give herself time to just breathe and be herself. Yeah.

[Host]

Something I definitely realized in talking to Jackie earlier today actually was Becky was also trying to coach a new team, like, give or take, and develop chemistry with a new staff.

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah.

[Host]

And just like having to. So you guys were juggling a lot, but the one thing that did remain is like the trio, if you will. Of you, Jackie and Asia. So real quick, what makes Jackie so difficult to defend?

[Chelsea Gray]

1? She's strong as hell.

[Host]

Strong as hell. She's strong as hell.

[Chelsea Gray]

She's in.

[Host]

I mean, you're strong as hell, too, but she's strong as hell. Yeah, you guys are both strong as.

[Chelsea Gray]

Hell and strong like in different ways, too, in different moments. Like, you're not really gonna move her defensively either. And so she's strong as hell. She's in really, really good shape. And she can score in. There's not a way that she can't score. That, to me, puts her in a different category. When she's able to get layups, she's able to do floaters. She'll pick it up slow, pick up. She'll do a euro out of transition. She can catch the ball and finish in traffic. Defensively, she can guard. She can get up and guard. She was tasked to guard Kelsey Mitchell and stand in front. She'll guard the point, guard the three. There's different players and personnel that she can guard. And so what makes her so good is her ability to do both ends of the floor. But there's not really anything she can't do offensively. So her being able to do and sustain it all the time. Cause she's in such like, so good of a shape. Like, it's really good for her.

[Host]

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[Chelsea Gray]

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[Host]

When did making plans get this complicated? It's time to streamline with WhatsApp, the secure messaging app that brings the whole group together. Use polls to Settle dinner plans, send event invites and pin messages so no one forgets mom's 60th and never miss a meme or milestone. All protected with end to end encryption. It's time for WhatsApp message privately with everyone.

[Chelsea Gray]

Learn [e-mail] this episode is brought to.

[Tommy Alter]

You by Jack Daniels. Jack Daniels and music are made for each other. They share a rhythm in the craft of making sound something timeless while being.

[Chelsea Gray]

A part of legendary nights.

[Tommy Alter]

From backyard jams to sold out arenas, there's a song in every toast. Please drink responsibly.

[Chelsea Gray]

Responsibility.org, jack Daniels and Old no.

[Tommy Alter]

7 are registered trademarks. Tennessee whiskey, 40% alcohol by volume. Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee.

[Host]

What else is there left to say about Asia at this point?

[Chelsea Gray]

That woman is so good.

[Host]

Give it to me. How about this? What's something? What's one aspect? Cause you've talked a lot about her. I've seen a lot of your quotes. I mean, you're watching, you know, in real time, somebody becoming a goat and just how special that is for you, for your teammates. What's something under discussed about her game? Like, people don't talk about what enough.

[Chelsea Gray]

I mean, they talk about blocked shots, but her timing is impeccable to be. She blocks it in the air. She don't really block it on their hand. She waits for you to put that thing in the air and she's gonna go get it. Two things. Her hands. I can throw pretty much any type of pass at her, and she's gonna try to go get it and probably catch. She's saved me from a lot of turnovers. I know that for sure. But I know I'm able to pass it to her because there's been that build. But her hands, she grabs everything. Like defensive rebounding. She's not in position. She's not boxing out. Becky's like, you were supposed to box out.

[Host]

None of them do.

[Chelsea Gray]

She ends up getting the rebound.

[Host]

No good post player boxes out. We know this.

[Chelsea Gray]

No, but she's like behind them and she's like, bop. Need that.

[Host]

Like, I was like, no, they go get it. Oh, they go get it.

[Chelsea Gray]

That's an old board. And Asia comes out of nowhere and tips it to be able to bring it to herself. So her hands that way and then two. I think her ability off the dribble and bringing it from a rebound, like her getting off the glass and bringing it into making a good decision. Passing it off the dribble and in traffic. Really, really good. Really, really good. She's been able to make dynamic moves. And she's gotten better each year, right? People are like, oh, she doesn't really dribble. Oh, she doesn't really pass. Like, she can't shoot the three. Like, she gets better every year. But her ability to break somebody down off the dribble or make the decisions come in full court, it's been a lot easier for me because I could just wait at half court. And if she brings it, she brings it. If she wants me to come back, I will. So it's been. Those are two things where I'm just like, y' all sleeping on her being able to bring it from getting a remail.

[Host]

No, something really impressive about her is definitely every year she comes back better. Every year.

[Chelsea Gray]

Something every year.

[Host]

Every year. I mean, this year, it was like she was toying with the three point shot. I feel like a couple years ago that started to, like, enter the picture a little bit. This year, it felt like it was a part of her game. Not to say it's not like a volume situation. You know, she's not there, like, seeking them out. But when she's open now, she's like, hitting at a pretty good clip. But there's other parts of her game each year she just adds. And then there's the off the court part, the leadership part, right? Like, who she is as a teammate, which does segue nicely into the texts heard around the world. You guys lost to Minnesota by 53. It was August 2nd. I saw the box score, and I said, tough. This is tough. But I also said, interestingly, I was talking to Ryan Ruoco, like, that day or the next day or something, and he brought. He was like, oh, did you see the score? And I was like, this could be a turning point. I mean, listen, it was a 50, 50 chance. I was just playing the odds. But it's like, we all know games like that, that doesn't speak to talent. That doesn't speak. A loss like that isn't. Cause you guys are bad basketball players. It's like something's up and sometimes it has to break in order to build it back up. And it sounds like after that game, you know, Asia sends her text. But I'm curious, like, when you got the text, and for those that don't know, the text essentially said, this was embarrassing. Like you just said. And, you know, give or take, don't come to the gym if A, you're not embarrassed, and B, you're not ready to work. So when you got that text, what was like? Like, how did you respond personally in that moment?

[Chelsea Gray]

I was still. I was even more embarrassed. Like I was like, oof. Yeah, I'm embarrassed too. You said it in the text. Like you put it on paper. Like, I am embarrassed. I'm just like, oof. I don't even wanna like anything on social media. I don't wanna be honest. Like I don't wanna do anything. Embarrassed for me. I looked at myself, I was like, chels, you need to get your shit together. Like, this is bad. This isn't. I think that's the worst game I or loss that I've ever had in my career in basketball. Au like when I was seven years old, like, that was a terrible loss. Like I couldn't believe it. And the way in which it was done on our home floor, like against Minnesota, where everybody had them like pick to win. Like it was bad. And so embarrassed was a great. That was the only word that nailed it.

[Host]

Yeah, nailed it.

[Chelsea Gray]

That was it. And so we were just. It was on a back to back, I believe. And we had to play the Valkyries and I felt so.

[Host]

I'm glad you brought that up. I'm glad you brought that up. Cause how pivotal, I think that game might even be more important than losing by 53 was the response.

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah, we had to come back. Vengeance.

[Host]

Yeah. You beat him by 24. You set a, I think a franchise record like 18 threes. So how pivotal, like was that? Which was more important? To lose by 53 and be embarrassed or to like be able to find it within yourself? Okay, okay, Embarrassed. Moving on.

[Chelsea Gray]

It changed like, yes, that game, but it changed like the way we talked our meeting.

[Host]

Like, yeah, you saw, you got Becky had you doing scouring reports.

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah, it changed. It changed like how we were gonna communicate as a team. Like we had to get super raw and vulnerable with each other and like, yo, this doesn't feel good. This sorry for the new people that's here. This ain't this a half ass.

[Host]

It's not the normal.

[Chelsea Gray]

Like that's on me, you know. So it was tough. It was very uncomfortable even thinking about it now. I was like, I don't ever want to feel what I felt going into that film. Imagine watching that film.

[Host]

No, I can't. Did she make you watch the whole thing?

[Chelsea Gray]

I haven't seen the whole thing as a game by myself, just in clips.

[Host]

Okay. Cause you know how sometimes.

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah. They'll make you watch the whole thing though.

[Host]

They'll make you watch the whole thing.

[Chelsea Gray]

Cause we also had a game the next day.

[Host]

Honestly, that might have been a gift.

[Chelsea Gray]

It was. It was like, we can't have a film session, you know, but, like, our attitude. And like, we were just so mad the next day, coming to the locker room. Like, we're usually looser listening to music. We were just like, business.

[Host]

Yeah, well, definitely unlocked a lot, right? A lot changed. And a lot of people with your team are always gonna talk about offense, naturally. Cause you guys are so gifted offensively, as individuals, as a team. But it's your defense, I think that kind of turned. Something changed. So is that something you guys did different, or is this an effort thing?

[Chelsea Gray]

Effort. And like, the details were just like, oh, we were kind of stubborn sometimes. Like, oh, we'll figure it out. Like, we'll be fine. Even this way. We'll figure out. And then Bam scored on. Bam scored on. Becky was like, why are we drilling this stuff? You guys are just like, eff it and not gonna do it. Like, why are we doing this? And I was just like, you're right. Why are we doing it if we're not gonna try it? And so defensively, we got, like, even tighter and really good. And for me, individually, like, I had to ask for post clips. Cause I started guarding posts a little bit more. Like, I asked for so many more post clips than I did in my entire career. And so. But I understood that we were gonna go small and so how to be better in those moments. But defensively, we were just on a string. Like, we got our rotations down, even if they're not the most. If they're not the logical. And just, like, we know this person's gonna go. We know Asia's gonna come and go block that. Why are we fouling? Like, let her go get it. You know, Chelsea's gonna come over and take a charge, and Jackie's gonna drop. Like, just let it happen. Like, just let them go. So we don't give up a layup. So we. As much as people talk about offensively, like, having chemistry, you have to have it defensively, too, and understand people's tendencies.

[Host]

Yeah, it sounds like. I mean, it keeps coming back to vulnerability. Cause in a sense, you need that to have this trust. And you need that trust to have that chemistry, especially on defense. Cause it is defensive chemistry. Is a lot of trust involved, especially as a guard, I think, because you're, like, blind. You can't see behind you.

[Chelsea Gray]

You can't see anything. Like, you're trusting everybody else to tell you what's going on.

[Host]

Yeah. But I'm glad we brought up defense. Cause you, you said after you guys won that the thing you're most proud of is your defense. I don't think this is some. This is new. I think this is something that people for some reason are just seeing. I feel like you've always been this way. I don't know if you know this. I think by the end of the season, definitely towards the end, you were number one in opponent's field goal percentage or maybe effective field goal percentage as the closest defender. So if you were close, people were shooting bad is basically what's that saying. And you were number one in the lead. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But, yeah, this isn't new, but why don't you talk to people about your defense? Maybe tell them like, what they're not seeing or appreciating.

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah, I believe, like, IQ Desk is just like, if you got it, you got it. And so it works defensively too.

[Host]

Yes, it does.

[Chelsea Gray]

And so things that, like, okay, maybe I won't be as quick to point A to point B as Kelsey Mitchell, but I'm going to maybe help in a little bit more or understand the player, the action and the people that's in it. So I can be over two more steps so I can get the steal, I can get the deflection. And so my mind just kept on. My mind was super active on both ends and I took a. I wouldn't say I was like a bad defender or anything by any means, but I took a step defensively just by being more aggressive. One, I was healthy and quicker and a lot more like in the best shape. And so I was able to sustain it for longer periods and run up and down and pick up at half court and then drop down to be in the post. And if they were tired and they leave the ball out, I could, I could strip it. Like, I would force them into plays that I knew I would have the advantage, especially when I would be playing post players. Cause if they put it up there, Aja, come help, come help. But I would.

[Host]

That's not me anymore.

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah, I would bait them into bringing it down so I can strip it or it gives me more time or somebody else time to get there. So a lot of it was kind of playing mind games to bait them into where I wanted them to go or how I wanted them to finish. And understanding people go back into tendencies. If I know they're gonna Euro in transition, I'm gonna try to like bait you into Euroing. Cause you know that's your go to move. So I can strip it or be There, so at least you'll miss the shot.

[Host]

How much is film playing a role in this?

[Chelsea Gray]

A lot of it. I ask for clips all the time. Our video coordinator was probably like, here she go again. Like, she wants clips of these four people. Like, is she fired four people at a time? No.

[Host]

You're like, not my fault, bro. They're putting me in the post. I got double the people now.

[Chelsea Gray]

Exactly like tendencies. Watching film is all about understanding tendencies and what' side of the court they like to play on and how they like to finish and transition. Are they gonna take a shot over the screen? It's a harder screen to get over, under. And then also we have some film and, like, numbers behind it. They like this block a little bit better, or they're shooting on this side of the court a little bit more. All of that plays into your mind because you watched it so many times that it's. It kind of becomes second nature. Like, okay, they're about to come off the screen trying to go downhill. Right hand, like, be ready. Come and get the charge. Come over. Secondary action. And every team has tendencies. It's just, who's gonna be able to, you know, do better with, like, creating advantages for them.

[Host]

I have this theory. I wanna see what you think about it. Okay, so the part that, to me has always, like, maintained or been sustained, I should say, is like, yeah, your ability to, like, strip the ball. You've got super quick hands. It's actually playing against you. It's annoying. Cause you think you have a layup or you think you have this or you think you have that, or you're watching your post player do a move and you're like, oh, they got her. And then, boom, you're stripping it. Do you think your ball handling and the way you train your ball handling and how good of a ball handler you are has helped with, like, all of it. Like, the hand eye of it all, the quickness of it all. And I definitely think some of it, what you said, having to sniff it out plays a role too. Yeah, but that's my theory on you. Cause I was like, how did she get good at this? And I was like, man, she's so good at ball handling. And we've all seen your videos pregame.

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Chelsea Gray]

I haven't thought about it. Shoot. You might be on something here.

[Host]

Noodle on that one. You might be onto something.

[Chelsea Gray]

It could be too. And also, like, I think it goes back to. I used to watch and play against in practice, Alayna Beard, all of the time in la. And her timing with stripping and picking them at half, picking guards and stuff at half court. She always told me, like, get it on. Get it on the way up. Like, get like. I would just hear that over and over. There was so many times I was embarrassed at half court. Cause she's picking me. Why are you picking me up full court? What are we doing here? I'm just. I'm trying to learn the play.

[Host]

Terrorizing you?

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah. Experiencing that kind of prepared me. But the ball handling part, I can kind of get with you on that. I can understand what you're saying. I feel you. I feel you.

[Host]

You, like, Miyagi'd yourself. You didn't even know you were doing it. Well, Chels, before I let you go, let's talk a little bit about just, like, you're headed into the off season. We joked at the top, I think, before we started recording, but we joked, like, whenever you win, it's the best offseason ever. You get to just live in this. You get to be in this. So you're headed into the off season as a champ. Are you looking to defend your unrivaled title?

[Chelsea Gray]

I for sure am. Let's go.

[Host]

Let's go. Is it going to be the same team? Are you going to have the same team? Do you know yet?

[Chelsea Gray]

I think I'm still on road. I think they're trying to figure that out, what that looks like. But, yes, for sure. Anytime, like, anytime you win and you come back to it, you're just like. People try to take you out, which is fine. So I'm trying to repeat, so we'll see. But I'm excited. There's a lot more people and teams and a lot more eyes will be on it. So it's good for basketball.

[Host]

All right, I got one more question, and Tommy, who I referenced earlier, he asked me this. It was a great question. And I was thinking about it because of unrivaled and last year's WNBA free agency, and it's like you guys are all in the same place and you're all chatting. So much is happening. So for a second, live in a world where the CBA gets done, like, it gets signed, it's done. And so now you're a gm, and I'll give you one. I'll give you, like, one kind of thought around it, which is we all know the money's going up, so the salary cap's gonna be, you know, much bigger. Max salary is much bigger. But. But as everyone knows, the whole fricking league is a free Agent. So you're a gm. Put your GM hat on. Like, how. What are you doing? How are you approaching this?

[Chelsea Gray]

I'm asking players that, like, three to four players that you know that you want to re sign, like, that's your top priority. I'm asking them for a wish list. I'm probably asking, okay, if that doesn't work, who are your next pieces that fit your team? That's another thing. Like, I know this is the end and everybody that's like, really, really great or like, great players, they don't always fit together. They just don't. And so there'll be a piece. Or just like, huh, why did they sign them? They could have got this. And it was like, no. But it fits our offense, it fits our defense perfectly. And when those two marry each other, it's like, oh, wow. They're a lot better than like, we thought, like. And, you know, so as a gm, I would ask for, like, years of players, like, give me a wish list. Like, who do you really want to play with? Or who can you go get? Who do you think you can go get? And then I would be like, okay, can you go have a conversation with them? Like, are they at an orange?

[Host]

Do you want their number?

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah, like, hit them up, see what their vibe. Because if it's a no, it's just like, let's get ahead of the game with somebody else. So those are the two things right away I would kind of see. Like, are you open to even coming here? Are you open? Is this something where you can possibly see down the road? Like, that's the route that I would take. And you kind of fill in from there.

[Host]

Okay. Yeah. If we thought free agency was spicy.

[Chelsea Gray]

The last couple years, it's gonna be crazy this year.

[Host]

Crazy. I don't even know what to expect.

[Chelsea Gray]

It's gonna be. I'm have to get some dark shades, be like, ooh, I see that. Like, you know when people look over their glasses. Because everybody gonna be at Unrival. I'll just be like, I see them over there talking what they got cooking?

[Host]

Why they get. Oh, they went and got coffee.

[Chelsea Gray]

Why I see them at the restaurant getting coffee. Like, what they got going? What they talking about?

[Host]

Exactly. That's gonna be crazy. Well, again, thank you for coming on. This was fun. Usually I do. When I do the show, I kind of get into, like, origin stories and background. It was actually fun to just like, chat about a playoff run.

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah.

[Host]

So this is great. Yeah. Thank you so much for coming on.

[Chelsea Gray]

What our conversations always are like just having a simple conversation.

[Tommy Alter]

For sure.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Chelsea Gray]

Yeah.

[Host]

Congratulations again. Enjoy this off season. Good luck in unrivaled yo parade on Friday. So have fun. I think this drops on Friday, so have fun today.

[Chelsea Gray]

Oh, perfect.

[Host]

Enjoy it. I can't wait, you guys. Honestly, definitely. I don't know. You're definitely like the most fun team to watch on social media. You already been doing it. I heard KB got banned from TikTok. Cause you guys were going crazy on live.

[Chelsea Gray]

That was on. I don't even know what we did for real. Like this isn't the craziest that we ever been. Like Friday might get a little crazy. I don't know. But we haven't even. I feel like we haven't been that crazy like all the time. Like it was nonstop sometimes before. But the parade, it might get a little wicked.

[Host]

I'll be tuned in. I'll be tuned in again. Enjoy it. Have the best time. I don't want to keep it from any more parties, so I'm gonna let you go. Thanks for coming.

[Chelsea Gray]

Thank you. Appreciate you.

[Host]

All right, that was our conversation with Chelsea Gray. Hope you guys enjoyed it. So much fun just to like talk shop with one of the smartest players in the league. You can tell she's just constantly thinking ahead, right? Not just playing the game and thinking ahead. Film sessions, thinking ahead, thinking about offense, thinking about defense. So it was really fun to pick Chelsea's brain to get her thoughts on dynasties. We kind of talked about everything and I really enjoyed it. And now she gets to enjoy her off season. Hopefully you guys enjoyed. See you next time. This episode is a co production of Together and Vox Media. Our producers are Tommy Alter, Jason Gallagher, Richie Bozek, Harry Krinsky, Jess Clarendon and Melanie Carter. Support for Bird's Eye View comes from the all electric Toyota bz. The true test of a first rate intellect is the ability to change one's mind. That's a quote from me. I just made it up. But it sounds good, doesn't it? So maybe it's time to revisit your thoughts on battery electric vehicles with the all electric Toyota bz. I've already told you about a few of its amazing features. Its EPA estimated driving range rating up to 314 miles. Its versatile charging capabilities available premium JBL9 speaker audio system. It's sleek and chiseled design so I won't repeat myself. All I'll say is go check it out for yourself. The all electric BZ1 drive can change your mind. Learn [e-mail] BZ Toyota. Let's go. Places.

[Chelsea Gray]

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[Tommy Alter]

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[Chelsea Gray]

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[Chelsea Gray]

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