Updates on Allisha Gray’s Injury After Atlanta Dream Stealing Game 1 / sportsearchers.com

The Atlanta Dream opened their WNBA semifinal series with a statement 92-82 victory over the New York Liberty, but the win came with a major concern: All-Star guard Allisha Gray suffered a left-hand injury and was forced to leave the game before halftime.

Gray, Atlanta’s leading scorer during the regular season at 19.0 points per game, initially injured her hand during the first quarter after contact on a screen. She left the floor with 3:59 remaining in the opening period and headed to the locker room.

Gray Tried to Return

The good news initially appeared to be that Gray was able to return. She came back onto the court during the second quarter with her left ring and pinky fingers taped together.

However, the injury was aggravated when Gray dove for a loose ball defensively. With 3:44 remaining in the first half, she immediately grabbed her hand again and headed back to the locker room. Atlanta subsequently ruled her out for the remainder of the game.

Despite playing only 11 minutes, Gray still managed to contribute 7 points, 1 rebound and 1 steal, shooting 1-of-5 from the field, 1-of-3 from three-point range and 4-of-5 from the free-throw line.

That limited contribution makes Atlanta’s eventual victory even more impressive.

Atlanta Responds Without Its Leading Scorer

Gray’s absence forced the Dream to find production elsewhere, and they responded emphatically after halftime.

Atlanta entered the break trailing 40-37, but the Dream completely changed the game in the third quarter. Their defense overwhelmed New York, helping produce a huge momentum swing and a 19-5 run.

Jordin Canada became the offensive catalyst, scoring 25 points and recording five steals. DeWanna Bonner added 23 points and nine rebounds, while Angel Reese contributed 17 points, seven rebounds and four steals. Rhyne Howard also stepped up with 16 points, eight assists and eight rebounds.

Perhaps most importantly, Atlanta forced 21 Liberty turnovers and converted them into 32 points, tying the WNBA playoff record for points scored off turnovers.

Gray’s Status Becomes the Big Question

The Dream successfully protected home court, but Gray’s injury now becomes the biggest storyline heading into Game 2.

Head coach Karl Smesko said after the game that he did not yet have an injury update, but expressed hope that Gray would be available for the next game.

“Hopefully, she’ll be OK. Obviously, she’s been a huge reason we’ve been so successful this year.”

That uncertainty is significant because Gray had entered the semifinals in excellent form. She scored 22 points in each of Atlanta’s two first-round victories over Washington, playing 35 minutes in both games.

For now, Atlanta can celebrate a huge Game 1 victory despite losing one of its most important players. But if Gray is unable to return, the Dream will need the same collective effort that helped them overcome her absence Sunday.

Game 1 takeaway: Gray’s injury was a major blow, but Atlanta’s depth, defense and second-half response turned adversity into a 10-point semifinal victory.