The Atlanta Dream‘s win over the New York Liberty in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals was already pretty impressive.
Considering that Atlanta’s leading scorer played just 11 minutes, the 92-82 victory over New York took on an entirely different significance.
The Dream took down the Liberty after losing Allisha Gray in the second quarter. Gray sustained a finger injury while guarding a Sabrina Ionescu drive, and though she tried to play with her left ring and pinky fingers taped together, Gray was ruled out before the first half had concluded.
Atlanta rallied without Gray to move within two wins of the WNBA Finals. But her status for Game 2 loomed over the result, and now it has been confirmed.
Gray is out for Game 2, considered “day-to-day”
Dream head coach Karl Smesko told reporters on Tuesday that Gray will miss Game 2 on Wednesday night, when Atlanta could move within a single victory of a first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013.
Dream head coach Karl Smesko on Allisha Gray: “Allisha Gray is out tomorrow … Day to day after that.” Smesko says he does not have any more than he can share. Gray has an appointment for her finger today.
— Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall) October 6, 2026
While Gray’s status has been confirmed for Game 2, Smesko also revealed that the All-Star guard is considered “day-to-day” at present.
Though that designation does not represent a firm timetable, it does prompt some optimism that Gray could play in Game 3 on Friday, when the series shifts to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
Rhyne Howard, the Dream’s other All-Star guard/forward, had previously said that the team received “good news” about Gray’s status, so it’s possible that her absence is just one or two games.
FWIW Rhyne Howard did refer to the team getting some “good news” re: Allisha Gray’s situation. Smesko would not share any other details.
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) October 6, 2026
The Dream will need Gray back in this series. Keeping the momentum over the Liberty by winning Wednesday night feels even more important now that Atlanta won’t have its leading scorer.
