Every season has someone who steps up when it matters most. This year, Dawn Staley thinks everybody should pay closer attention to Allisha Gray. Why?

While other MVP favorites fight through injuries or big headlines, Gray’s been doing her thing every single night, and barely anyone talks about it. What sets her apart, and could that steady presence shift the entire MVP conversation?

Why Did Dawn Staley Push for Allisha Gray in the WNBA MVP Race?

During a recent CBS WNBA studio show, Hall of Fame coach Dawn Staley didn’t hold back about her pick for MVP. Sitting next to the other panelists, she was asked about the main candidates: Napheesa Collier, Alyssa Thomas, Allisha Gray, and A’ja Wilson.

Staley immediately spotlighted Gray, saying the Atlanta Dream guard deserves way more recognition.

Staley said, “Phee [Napheesa] being part of the top team in the league is deservingly the favorite at this point. But then, when you pick an MVP, you got to break it down. She’s injured at the moment. Alyssa Thomas has been injured. A’ja Wilson’s missed a few games.” She pointed out how injuries have shifted the race.

When talk turned to Gray, Staley called her “The Iron Woman,” adding, “And I don’t think she’s talked about in this MVP candidate race. And we need to talk a little bit more about her and what she’s able to do.”

She explained how she’s followed Gray beyond the court, watching her personality grow. “She’s starting to come out of her shell. She’s starting to talk a little bit more. She’s got taste testing. But I actually take time of my day to look at her and Rhyne doing that. It’s very, very, very funny. Game is not funny. And it’s not funny that she’s on this list,” Staley said.

Gray and Staley share a history from South Carolina, where Gray joined in 2015 and helped the team win its first national championship in 2017. Staley always praised Gray for her quiet leadership and steady play, even calling her “the silent assassin” back in those days.

How Is Allisha Gray Proving Her MVP Case for the Atlanta Dream?

Gray’s been making noise on the court all season. Thanks to her consistency and performance, the Atlanta Dream guard sits in the middle of the MVP talk. She leads the WNBA with 76 made three-pointers this year and has career-high averages in several categories.

Gray is posting 18.9 points per game this season, her highest average in nine WNBA campaigns. She’s also grabbing 5.4 rebounds and handing out 3.8 assists each night. Atlanta is third in the standings with a 20-11 record, which is big because MVP voters always look at team success.

On top of that, Gray has snagged two Player of the Month awards, showing she’s been bringing it game after game in 2025. Durability matters, especially now, with names like Napheesa Collier missing time because of injuries. Gray’s ability to stay healthy lets her rack up numbers while other stars sit out.

No one knows if Gray will end up with the MVP trophy, but Staley’s support is helping open eyes to what matters most in this race: staying on the court, helping the team, and making a difference every night. In a season full of ups and downs for MVP contenders, that steady presence could tip the scales.