The Unrivaled season’s packed schedule had many enticing games on the opening day with Rose BC right in action against the top side Lunar Owls. Interestingly, both sides were without their superstars as Napheesa Collier was ruled out because of an injury, while Angel Reese opted out of Season 2 of the league. But one player who stood out in the game was Chelsea Gray.
Sadly, the 33-year-old star had to carry the heavy load in the game in the absence of the team’s key players, and she once again proved herself against the best in the league.
Chelsea Gray Keeps High Standard For Rose BC
Though the Rose BC prepared themselves for Angel Reese’s absence, Kahleah Copper put the side under pressure. But keeping her composure and raising her game, the former Duke star scored 35 points with eight assists, five rebounds, and three steals to seal an 8060 win over the Lunar owls.
Praising Chelsea Gray for her performance, analyst Kalia Butler said, “She is insane. She had 35 points, eight assists, five rebounds, three steals. Mind you, she could have had a couple of more assists that people just weren’t necessarily finishing. And you can tell when somebody is not finishing or doing what she envisions for them, she’s like, ‘All right, everybody just get out the way. I’m gonna handle this myself.” She can score on every level.”
Butler highlighted that the Rose BC had its banner raised before the game, which was motivational for the side. And also mentioned that the veteran guard saw the banner as the standard.
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
After a historic WNBA championship, she would have gotten some ‘slack’ for a slow start or even a clumsy performance. However, the champion was not letting up and proved herself once again on the floor, despite a lengthy WBA season and insufficient support in the game. Her passion and perfection made Gray the first player to win WNBA and Unrivaled Championships in the same year.
Chelsea Gray Stays Humble Despite Heroic Performance
Constantly winning might be a bad habit as it could alter a player’s ego and turn self-confidence into overconfidence. However, the Olympic gold medalist is aware of this fact and stays grounded after her remarkable performance.
In the post-game interview, she said, “I always say that I’m a call within the storm, and that’s the way I see the game. That’s the way I play. I know my stats, but everybody came and contributed tonight.”
Chelsea Gray is tonight's Miller Lite Player of the Game 👑 Made 35 & 8 look like LIGHT work, that's just what she does 🌹 pic.twitter.com/AF4vPivQyT
— ROSE BC 🌹🏆 (@RoseBCUpdates) January 6, 2026
Apart from the Aces’ guard, other key contributors in the game were Azura Stevens and Shakira Austin. The Sparks forward added 19 points and 10 rebounds, while the newcomer finished with 12 points and six rebounds.