Atlanta Dream forward Allisha Gray was cautiously optimistic Thursday about her availability for Saturday's Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries, though she said the final decision would be made by the medical staff. Gray has been out since she injured her left ring finger in Game 1 of the semifinal round against the New York Liberty. The four-time All-Star is listed as day-to-day with a hand injury, which she called a "hurt finger."
"Just me getting comfortable, being able to handle the physicality of practice and stuff, which has been feeling well," Gray said after practice. "But I'm going to leave it up to the medical staff. I feel good. Been taking it day by day. Long as I can shoot, I'm good. So hopefully, I get some good news where I am able to play Saturday." Gray has averaged 17 points and two steals in three 2026 postseason games. She was limited in practice but showed no sign of pain while shooting, and her left ring and pinkie fingers were taped together during the session.
Gray originally returned to that semifinal Game 1 with the two fingers taped together, tore off the tape after missing a shot and left the game soon after. "Me coming back out was just my competitive nature of not wanting to sit out," she said. "But now that everything is put together and fixed, I'm good to go." She recently had a minor surgical procedure that was necessary for her to have a chance of playing in the Finals. The medical staff is monitoring how the finger responds to practice and her pain levels from day to day.
Coach Karl Smesko said the Dream have built separate game plans, one with Gray available and one without. The approaches are not drastically different, but De Wanna Bonner is affected the most. "[Gray is] a great player," Smesko said. "You've got to be prepared for any eventuality, but she's been a limited participant in practice. It's trending in the right direction, and we hope that she's out there for sure."
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing