The Atlanta Dream‘s victory over the New York Liberty in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals on Sunday takes on a different complexion given the fact that Atlanta took down New York without Allisha Gray.
Gray, one of the Dream’s three All-Stars and Atlanta’s leading scorer in the regular season, played only 11 minutes and sat out the entire second half as the Dream rallied for a 92-82 win at State Farm Arena.
Gray injured her left hand — her shooting hand — while defending a Sabrina Ionescu drive in the first quarter of Game 1. She attempted to return to the game in the second quarter but air-balled a 3-point attempt and never looked comfortable. The Dream ruled her out before halftime.
Allisha Gray left the game vs. the Liberty with an apparent hand injury. https://t.co/K6KqroXsyG
— ESPN (@espn) October 4, 2026
From the Atlanta perspective, Gray’s status is the biggest storyline entering Game 2. If she isn’t available, the Dream will be at a disadvantage against a Liberty team desperate to even up the series.
What is Gray’s status for Game 2?
Gray had her pinky and ring fingers taped together when she rejoined the Dream bench in the second half. It prompted fears that Gray had suffered a dislocated finger, and head coach Karl Smesko said he was unsure if she could return in time for Game 2 on Wednesday.
“Hopefully she’ll be OK,” Smesko said Sunday. “Obviously, she’s been a huge reason we’ve been so successful this year, and it was tough to see her not out there, but really proud of how the team pulled together and how they played in the game.”
Dream beat Liberty 92-82. Angel Reese goes up to Allisha Gray and appears to say “We got you, we got you.” Game 2 Wednesday night 7:30 at State Farm Arena #wnba #wnbaplayoffs https://t.co/2OYa4jIUzX
— Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonWSB) October 4, 2026
The Dream found a way without Gray in Game 1. Jordin Canada and DeWanna Bonner provided a massive boost as they combined for 48 points. Angel Reese had 17 points, seven rebounds and seven stocks while posting a 92 defensive rating. Atlanta accrued two blocks and nine steals in the third quarter, a WNBA postseason record for one period.
But Atlanta’s identity also is built on Gray and Rhyne Howard scoring at high volume. Howard shot 5-of-20 in Game 1 and Gray might not play in Game 2.
That factor could swing momentum in the series back toward New York, and a Game 2 win for the Liberty changes the series completely.
