The Atlanta Dream are four wins away from their first WNBA championship.
And they might be getting one of their most important players back at exactly the right time.
Allisha Gray.
Atlanta’s leading scorer.
A four-time WNBA All-Star.
One of the most complete two-way guards in basketball.
And a player the Dream have desperately missed since she injured her left hand against the New York Liberty.
Well, there’s finally an encouraging update.
According to WSB-TV’s October 13 report, Gray confirmed that she underwent a minor procedure on her injured left hand and remains day-to-day.
Even better?
Gray was back on the court participating in shooting drills Tuesday.
Now, I want to make something clear.
This doesn’t mean Gray has officially been cleared to play.
It doesn’t guarantee she’ll be available for Saturday’s Game 1 against the Golden State Valkyries.
And it certainly doesn’t mean she’s completely healthy.
But after watching Atlanta navigate the semifinals without its leading scorer, I think this is an encouraging development.
Because the Dream have already demonstrated that they can win without Gray.
Imagine what this team could accomplish if she returns.
First, Let’s Talk About What Gray Actually Said
Gray has been sidelined since suffering a left-hand injury during Game 1 of the semifinals against New York on October 4.
She initially injured her hand while making a defensive play.
After briefly returning to the court, she aggravated the injury and was unable to finish the game.
Gray subsequently missed Games 2 and 3.
But on Tuesday, she provided an update on her recovery.
She confirmed that she had undergone a minor procedure, although she didn’t specify whether it was surgery.
She also indicated that her progress has been encouraging.
During practice, Gray was seen taking shots with her left ring finger and pinky taped together.
That’s important.
Because we’re talking about her shooting hand.
And while participating in shooting drills doesn’t necessarily mean she’s ready for game action, it does suggest she’s making progress toward a return.
Smesko also described her recovery as trending in the right direction.
That’s exactly the kind of update Dream fans were hoping to hear. Yahoo Sports
The Dream Just Swept New York WITHOUT Their Leading Scorer
Here’s what makes this situation so interesting.
Atlanta didn’t simply survive without Gray.
The Dream swept the New York Liberty.
Think about that.
New York had Breanna Stewart.
Jonquel Jones.
Sabrina Ionescu.
Championship experience throughout the roster.
And Atlanta was playing without the player who led the team in scoring throughout the regular season.
That should have been a major problem.
Instead, the Dream found different ways to win.
In Game 1, DeWanna Bonner stepped forward with 23 points and nine rebounds after Gray exited.
In Game 2, Jordin Canada scored 23 points and dished out eight assists.
Angel Reese added 23 points, while Naz Hillmon delivered the go-ahead basket in overtime.
Then came Game 3.
Reese scored 22.
Rhyne Howard added 21.
Canada finished with 19 points and 11 assists.
And Atlanta completed the sweep with an 85–83 victory.
That’s impressive.
But here’s the part I find most encouraging.
Atlanta didn’t need one player to replace Gray’s entire production.
The Dream replaced it collectively.
And that’s the sign of a legitimate championship contender. WNBA
But Let’s Not Forget How Good Allisha Gray Actually Is
Sometimes I think we get so caught up in Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada’s postseason performances that we forget just how important Gray has been to this franchise.
During the regular season, Gray averaged:
- 19.0 points per game
- 3.5 rebounds
- 2.6 assists
- 1.4 steals
She also shot approximately 46% from the field and 34% from three-point range.
Those are excellent numbers.
And Gray isn’t simply a player who scores 19 points every night.
She can create her own shot.
She can attack the basket.
She can space the floor.
She can defend opposing guards.
And she’s capable of taking over a game offensively when Atlanta needs somebody to make a play.
Remember the first round against Washington?
Gray scored 22 points in both games.
She was Atlanta’s leading offensive option during that series.
That’s the player the Dream have been missing.
And that’s the player who could potentially return for the biggest games in franchise history. Yahoo Sports
Golden State Is Exactly the Kind of Team That Makes Gray So Important
Now let’s talk about the matchup.
Because I believe Gray’s availability becomes even more important when you look at Atlanta’s opponent.
The Golden State Valkyries aren’t the New York Liberty.
They play a different style of basketball.
Golden State has been one of the best defensive teams in the league.
The Valkyries are physical.
They’re disciplined.
They have excellent perimeter defenders.
And they’re capable of making opposing offenses extremely uncomfortable.
We just watched them sweep the defending champion Las Vegas Aces.
That’s not something that happens by accident.
And here’s another uncomfortable fact.
Golden State beat Atlanta all three times during the regular season.
That’s why I believe the Dream need as many offensive options as possible.
Because against a defense like Golden State’s, there are going to be possessions when the usual offense doesn’t work.
There will be times when Reese struggles to find space.
Times when Canada can’t get into the paint.
Times when Howard faces additional defensive attention.
That’s when a player like Gray becomes incredibly valuable.
She gives Atlanta another option.
Another shooter.
Another player capable of creating something when a possession breaks down.
And that could make an enormous difference in a seven-game championship series.
Here’s the Biggest Advantage of Getting Gray Back
I actually think the most important benefit of Gray returning might be what it does for everybody else.
Think about Rhyne Howard.
With Gray sidelined, Howard has taken on additional offensive responsibility.
And she’s responded.
But Golden State knows that.
The Valkyries are going to prepare for Howard.
They’re going to try to limit her opportunities.
And they’re going to make somebody else beat them.
Now imagine Gray returning.
Suddenly, Golden State has another dangerous perimeter scorer to account for.
Howard doesn’t have to create everything herself.
Canada has another option when she attacks the paint.
Reese benefits from having another shooter on the perimeter.
And Bonner can return to a role that allows her to impact the game without carrying as much of the offensive burden.
That’s the real advantage.
Gray doesn’t need to score 25 points for Atlanta to benefit from her return.
Simply having another legitimate scoring threat could change how Golden State defends the Dream.
Jordin Canada’s Breakout Makes This Even More Interesting
I want to spend a moment talking about Canada.
Because she’s been incredible throughout the postseason.
Against New York, Canada averaged 22.3 points per game.
That’s an enormous increase from her regular-season scoring average.
And what’s been especially impressive is how efficiently she’s played.
Canada has been attacking the basket.
Knocking down perimeter shots.
Controlling the offense.
And making important decisions in critical moments.
But here’s my question.
Can Atlanta realistically expect Canada to continue scoring more than 22 points per game against Golden State’s defense?
Maybe.
She’s certainly playing well enough.
But I don’t think the Dream should have to depend on that.
Canada is at her best when she can balance scoring and creating for teammates.
If Gray returns, Canada won’t have to carry quite as much offensive responsibility.
She can focus on controlling the game.
Getting everybody involved.
And attacking when the opportunities are there.
That’s a much more sustainable formula.
DeWanna Bonner and Isobel Borlase Have Earned Their Minutes
Here’s another important part of this conversation.
If Gray returns, somebody’s minutes are going to change.
And I think Karl Smesko has some interesting decisions ahead.
Because DeWanna Bonner has been outstanding.
She provided 23 points in Game 1 against New York.
She followed that with important contributions throughout the series.
And she finished Game 3 with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
I’ve previously discussed why the DeWanna Bonner signing was such an important move for Atlanta.
Her experience and versatility have been invaluable.
But there’s another player who deserves recognition.
Isobel Borlase.
Borlase scored 11 points in Game 2.
Then added another 10 points in Game 3.
Those are meaningful contributions from a young player in some of the biggest games of the season.
And it’s another reason I continue to believe Atlanta should prioritize her development.
I’ve written about why the Dream need to be careful when evaluating Borlase’s future compared with Te-Hina Paopao.
But right now, the bigger question is how Smesko manages the rotation.
Because Borlase has earned opportunities.
Bonner has earned opportunities.
And Gray is one of Atlanta’s best players.
That’s a good problem to have.
But it’s still something the coaching staff needs to figure out.
Should Atlanta Rush Gray Back for Game 1?
Here’s where I might have a slightly different opinion than some Dream fans.
I want Gray back.
Absolutely.
I think Atlanta is a better team with her.
But I don’t think the Dream should rush her onto the floor simply because Game 1 is approaching.
Remember something.
This is a best-of-seven series.
Atlanta doesn’t need to win the championship on Saturday.
The Dream need to win four games.
And if Gray isn’t medically ready for Game 1, I don’t think Atlanta should jeopardize her recovery just to get her onto the floor.
Now, if the medical staff clears her and she feels comfortable playing, that’s a different conversation.
But the decision needs to be based on her health and ability to contribute safely.
Not desperation.
Because Atlanta has already demonstrated that it can win without her.
And there could be value in having Gray available later in the series rather than rushing a return before she’s ready.
That’s something Smesko and the medical staff will have to evaluate carefully.
The Dream Have Another Reason to Be Excited About Coming Home
And here’s something else that makes this week special.
The Dream are officially getting their WNBA Finals home games at State Farm Arena.
On Tuesday, the WNBA confirmed that Games 3 and 4 will be played downtown.
Game 3 moves to Wednesday, October 21, at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Game 4 remains on Saturday, October 24, but will tip off at 1:00 p.m. ET.
The Atlanta Hawks will then host the Houston Rockets at 8:30 p.m. that evening.
That’s an incredible arrangement.
And it gives the Dream an opportunity to play in front of a much larger home crowd.
I love it.
But imagine how much more exciting that environment could become if Gray is back on the floor.
Atlanta’s leading scorer.
A hometown favorite.
Playing in her first WNBA Finals.
In front of thousands of Dream fans.
That’s the kind of moment this franchise has been working toward. WNBA
The Dream Are Four Wins Away From Something Special
Here’s my biggest takeaway.
The Atlanta Dream have already accomplished something remarkable.
They finished the regular season with 30 victories.
They swept Washington.
They swept New York.
And now they’re playing for their first WNBA championship.
But Golden State represents a completely different challenge.
The Valkyries have already beaten Atlanta three times.
They have an outstanding defense.
They have home-court advantage.
And they’re playing with tremendous confidence.
That’s why I believe Gray’s potential return is one of the biggest storylines entering the Finals.
Because the Dream don’t simply need another scorer.
They need another player Golden State has to respect.
Another defender.
Another creator.
Another experienced player capable of making the right decision in a critical moment.
Allisha Gray provides all of that.
And if she can return healthy, Atlanta becomes considerably more dangerous.
But here’s the thing.
The Dream have already proven they don’t need everything to go perfectly to win.
They’ve dealt with injuries.
They’ve overcome adversity.
They’ve relied on their depth.
And they’ve found ways to win difficult games.
That’s what makes this team special.
Now imagine combining that resilience with the return of their leading scorer.
That’s an exciting possibility.
The Atlanta Dream have already proven they can reach the WNBA Finals without Allisha Gray.
Getting her back could help them win the whole thing.
