The Las Vegas Aces narrowly lost to the Washington Mystics 100-99 during Wednesday's showdown at CareFirst Arena in the nation's capital. It was a heartbreaking ending for Las Vegas, as the team lost following a Jewell Loyd foul that led to an and-1 play by Shakira Austin.
A'ja Wilson exploded for 38 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks, while Loyd added 24 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Chelsea Gray also chipped in with 19 points and four assists for the Aces, but their efforts were not enough.
Only those three players reached double digits in scoring for Las Vegas, while the Mystics had six players score at least 10 points apiece.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Making matters worse, Gray is now subject to disciplinary action from the WNBA as a result of her violation during the game.
Early in the second quarter of the game, Gray was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul after hitting Mystics forward Michaela Onyenwere with an elbow to the face while dribbling the ball. While it looked like an inadvertent hit as Gray moved to attack the basket, officials reviewed the play and upgraded it to a flagrant foul.
It was Gray's first flagrant foul of the season, which means she will need to pay a $500 fine.
The WNBA's rules state that each flagrant point is punishable by a $500 fine. A Flagrant 1 foul accounts for one flagrant point, while a Flagrant 2 foul accounts for two flagrant points. The flagrant-point limit is four, which carries a one-game suspension.
If a player with three flagrant points is assessed a Flagrant 2, they will be suspended for two games.
Gray, who has earned the nickname "Point Gawd" for her exceptional playmaking and passing skills, would certainly want to avoid any more flagrant or technical fouls. After all, the Aces really need her, especially if they want to maintain their top-four spot in the standings.
The Aces dropped to 18-8 on the season with their latest loss, putting them at No. 3 in the standings.
