Picture this: You’re driving to the basket, defenders closing in, and you pause mid-stride to adjust your goggles before finishing the layup. For most players, that would be a disaster.
For Allisha Gray, it’s just another day at the office. The Atlanta Dream star has turned goggle adjustments into an art form, and even coaching legend Dawn Staley can’t help but appreciate the swagger.
Why Does Atlanta Dream Guard Allisha Gray Wear Goggles During Games?
Playing basketball while wearing protective eyewear creates unique challenges. Between all the jumping, running, and contact, players must constantly manage their gear while staying focused on the game.
Gray has developed the muscle memory that lets her adjust her goggles instinctively, which is why she fixes them whenever needed, even during live plays.
This distinctive habit caught the attention of South Carolina’s Dawn Staley, who made a playful post on X saying, “I’m here for Allisha Gray adjusting her goggles in route to the layup!!” Gray, quick to embrace the moment, retweeted with a string of laughing emojis: “😂😂😂😂😂😂.”
😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/KfmScmxvjo
— Allisha Gray (@Graytness_15) July 8, 2025
The three-time WNBA All-Star, who made history as the only player to win both the Skills Challenge and three-point contest in the same year at the 2024 All-Star weekend, shared the origin story of her goggles with Jameelah Johnson of the WNBA in 2024.
During tryouts for the 2023 Olympic 3×3 tournament, a practice player poked her in the eye, causing temporary blindness. “From then on, I was like, ‘Oh, let me try the goggles,'” Gray said. “I just liked the way they fit and protected my eyes.”
Beyond protection, Gray’s goggles have become a personal trademark. She owns countless pairs, a fact her teammates find amusing. “I own a lot of goggles, lots of lenses,” she told Johnson. “I can’t count how many, but I own a lot.”
Her Atlanta Dream teammates often borrow them for fun. Ever since she started wearing the goggles, they’ve become part of her identity on the court. She sometimes even coordinates her shoes with her goggles, turning functional gear into a fashion statement.
How Did Gray Power Atlanta’s Win Over Golden State?
Gray’s talent was on full display in a July 8 matchup against the Golden State Valkyries in College Park, Georgia. She led the Dream with a game-high 24 points, powering a 90-81 victory that showcased her ability to take over games when needed.
Atlanta’s fourth-quarter surge proved decisive, as they outscored Golden State 26-13 in the final quarter. This comeback highlighted how reliable Gray becomes during clutch moments, when the pressure is highest and every possession matters.
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Her three-point play with just over four minutes left gave the Dream a 78-75 lead, igniting a 12-0 run that sealed the win. That momentum shift turned what had been a tight contest into a comfortable victory for Atlanta.
The Dream received balanced contributions throughout the lineup. Teammates Naz Hillmon added 16 points and Rhyne Howard contributed 15 points, providing crucial support alongside Gray’s scoring outburst. Brionna Jones filled up the stat sheet with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Brittney Griner chipped in 11 points to round out the balanced offensive effort.
Meanwhile, Golden State entered the fourth quarter with momentum after holding a 45-43 halftime lead. Monique Billings led the Valkyries with 19 points, but Atlanta’s consistent offensive pressure in the final quarter turned the tables in their favor.
