The Atlanta Dream‘s biggest question heading into the WNBA Finals finally has an encouraging answer. Allisha Gray, sidelined since injuring her left ring finger, told reporters Thursday she is hopeful of playing in Game 1 against the Golden State Valkyries — with the final call resting with the medical staff. (Credits: ESPN)
Gray hurt the finger early in Game 1 of the semifinals against the New York Liberty on October 4, logging just 11 minutes before departing. She missed the next two games of Atlanta’s 3-0 sweep after undergoing what she described as a minor procedure on the hand, and has been listed as day-to-day ever since.
“As Long as I Can Shoot, I’m Good”
The four-time All-Star struck an optimistic tone on Thursday. “Progress is great,” she said earlier in the week, and added ahead of Saturday’s opener: “As long as I can shoot, I’m good. Hopefully I get some good news where I am able to play Saturday.”
Gray practiced in a limited capacity with the team in San Francisco, with her left ring finger taped against her pinky. She was also spotted going through shooting drills earlier in the week — a strong signal for a player Atlanta desperately needs.
Why Gray Matters So Much
Gray played all 44 regular-season games and averaged a career-high 19.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals — the top scorer on a Dream roster chasing the franchise’s first WNBA championship. Atlanta is 5-0 in the playoffs, but the Finals bring a stiffer test: Golden State swept the Dream 3-0 in the regular season, owns the league’s best defense, and opens as home favorite for Game 1 on Saturday, October 17 at 3:30 p.m. ET.
If Gray sits, the scoring burden falls heavier on Rhyne Howard, Angel Reese and Jordin Canada. If she plays, the Dream get their second shot creator back — and their best shot at stunning the Valkyries.
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Source: ESPN — read the full story there.