Allisha Gray’s Injury Caps Atlanta Dream’s 77-66 Defeat to Golden State Valkyries

Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray left the Wednesday night contest after sustaining an upper-body injury in the final minute of the third quarter. The injury occurred when Golden State Valkyries forward Cecilia Zandalasini’s knee made contact with Gray’s midsection as Zandalasini set a screen for guard Tiffany Hayes. Gray remained on the floor for several minutes before exiting under her own power and was ruled out three minutes into the fourth quarter. The Dream ultimately fell 77-66, marking their season-low point in scoring.

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The Valkyries shot 45 % from the field and connected on 15 three-pointers. Atlanta managed only 39 % shooting overall and 4-of-18 from beyond the arc. Gray contributed eight points on 3-of-10 shooting. Rhyne Howard added 12 points, while Angel Reese recorded a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double. Rookie Madina Okot led the Dream with 16 points. The Dream’s 66 points were the fewest they have scored this season.

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Head coach Karl Smesko expressed concern for Gray’s health, noting the team hopes the injury is not serious. He identified the second quarter, in which the Dream was outscored 22-9, as a turning point and emphasized the need to improve shooting efficiency and defensive consistency. Smesko said the team will review film to address “sloppy moments, missed free throws, wide-open three-pointers and layups at the rim.” Angel Reese acknowledged the missed shots, stating the squad must “take a look in the mirror on things we have to clean up” before the next meeting.

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Smesko warned that defensive breakdowns allowed the Valkyries to generate “wide-open 3s,” a sentiment echoed by Reese, who observed that the Dream was often “late on the shooters.” Both officials linked the defensive lapses to the Valkyries’ high three-point conversion rate and the Dream’s inability to contest shots effectively.

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• “We really hope it's not too serious,” — Karl Smesko, Atlanta Dream head coach

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• “We got every shot we wanted, we just didn't make them tonight,” — Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream forward

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• “They didn't do anything spectacular that killed us,” — Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream forward

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• “You don't want to think too much of [Wednesday's performance]," Reese said.” — Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream forward

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• “Now, when those shots weren't falling, we didn't stick to our movements and screening.” — Karl Smesko, Atlanta Dream head coach

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The Dream will host the Valkyries again at the Chase Center on Friday, less than 48 hours after the loss. Coach Smesko indicated the team will focus on correcting the identified defensive and shooting issues before the rematch.

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