The Atlanta Dream are preparing for their first WNBA Finals appearance in more than a decade, but the health of one of their biggest stars remains a concern heading into the championship series. Four-time All-Star Allisha Gray is still considered day-to-day after undergoing a minor procedure on her left hand, leaving her availability uncertain for Game 1 against the Golden State Valkyries. Gray confirmed the development Tuesday, providing an encouraging update on her recovery while stopping short of committing to a return date.
"Progress is great," Gray said. "Right now I'm day-to-day." The veteran guard did not disclose the exact nature of the procedure or whether it involved surgery. However, Gray participated in shooting drills at Atlanta's Gateway Center on Tuesday with her left ring finger and pinky taped together, offering a positive sign as the Dream prepare for Saturday's series opener.
Gray suffered the injury during Game 1 of Atlanta's semifinal series against the New York Liberty on Oct. 4. The injury occurred in the first quarter when she attempted to deflect a pass from Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu. Although Gray initially remained in the game, she eventually exited after playing just 11 minutes and did not return.
She subsequently missed Games 2 and 3, leaving Atlanta without one of its most important offensive contributors during the biggest stretch of its season. Despite her absence, the Dream completed a three-game sweep of New York to advance to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013. The accomplishment was particularly impressive considering Gray's importance to Atlanta throughout the regular season.
She led the Dream in scoring with 19 points per game, ranking ninth in the WNBA while establishing herself as one of the league's most reliable offensive threats. Her ability to score from the perimeter, create opportunities off the dribble and contribute defensively has made her a central part of Atlanta's success. Dream head coach Karl Smesko acknowledged just how important Gray is to the team's championship hopes.
"Allisha's one of the best players in the W," Smesko said Tuesday. The coach also praised the rest of his roster for finding ways to win without her. "To advance and beat a great New York team basically without her, except for 10 minutes of one game, is a testament to everybody else raising their game," Smesko said.
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