Allisha Gray Out for Game 2 of WNBA Semifinals With Hand Injury
The Atlanta Dream will be without their leading scorer against the New York Liberty due to an injury sustained in Game 1.
Atlanta Dream star Allisha Gray has been ruled out for Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals against the New York Liberty due to a left hand injury, head coach Karl Smesko announced Tuesday.
Gray, the Dream's leading scorer, appeared to injure the pinkie and ring fingers on her shooting hand during the first quarter of the Dream's 92-82 victory over the Liberty in Game 1 on Sunday. The four-time All-Star guard exited the game and did not return after attempting to re-enter in the second quarter, finishing with seven points in 11 minutes.
"Knowing that Allisha will be out, it hurts. It sucks," Dream forward Naz Hillmon said. "I know how much she would want to be on the floor with us. We know how much we use her offensively and defensively. The next-woman-up mentality is for everybody, not just the players coming off the bench or whoever’s going to fill in her role."
Veteran DeWanna Bonner played extended minutes in Gray's absence in Game 1, scoring 23 points. Bonner is expected to move into the starting lineup for Game 2.
The absence of Gray is a significant blow to the Dream's chances in the semifinals, potentially improving the Liberty's outlook for evening the series on the road and returning home for subsequent games.
The Dream have indicated that Gray will be considered "day-to-day" following Game 2.