ATLANTA -- Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray was ruled out of Wednesday's Game 2 of their semifinal series against the New York Liberty because of a finger injury and is considered day-to-day, coach Karl Smesko told reporters on Tuesday. Gray had an X-ray on her finger, though Smesko did not share any additional info on the nature or severity of her injury. Guard Rhyne Howard characterized the update as "good news."
Smesko said he anticipates Gray -- who was not present at practice Tuesday -- to be with the team for Wednesday's game, and teammates said she was in good spirits. "Nobody's going to try to be Lish because, I mean, there's only one Lish," Smesko said. "Lish is one of the best players in the league. She's an exceptional scorer and she's an excellent defender. So being without her for a game is tough, but we have players that are ready to step up."
Gray exited Sunday's 92-82 Game 1 win at the end of the first quarter because of a left, shooting hand injury before returning in the second and then reinjuring it. She was ruled out for the remainder of the game shortly before halftime, scoring seven points in her 11 minutes on the floor. The 6-foot guard and four-time All-Star out of South Carolina was the Dream's top scorer this season, averaging 19.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals while appearing in all 44 contests.
"Obviously knowing that Lish will be out, it hurts, it sucks," forward Naz Hillmon said. "I know how much she would want to be on the floor with us. We know how much we use her offensively and defensively. But that next woman up mentality is for everybody."
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing