Story perspectives

Allisha Gray’s Finals Game 1 status remains uncertain

By Drooid · Oct 17, 2026, 10:33 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Allisha Gray Awaiting Clearance

Allisha Gray is awaiting medical clearance to play in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals.
She injured her left ring finger on Oct. 4 against the New York Liberty and had a hand procedure.
Gray reported “great” progress on Oct. 15 during limited practice in San Francisco.
Coach Karl Smesko said her status is a game-time decision and minutes will not be limited.

Summary

DeWanna Bonner Signed

The Dream signed veteran forward DeWanna Bonner after Phoenix Mercury bought out her contract.
Bonner played all five postseason games, averaging 13.2 points and 6.4 rebounds for Atlanta.
Coach Karl Smesko said her two championship experiences could give Atlanta a locker-room edge in the Finals.
The Valkyries’ defense, the league’s best, shut down A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young in a sweep of the Las Vegas Aces.

Summary

Allisha Gray Postseason Drop

Gray averaged 17 points per game in the postseason, down from her 19-point regular-season average.
She recorded 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist per playoff game, indicating a reduced role.
Gray’s postseason defensive stats included 2.0 steals and 0.3 blocks per game.
Her field-goal percentage fell to 43.6% in the playoffs, versus 46.3% in the regular season.
She improved three-point shooting to 38.5% in the postseason, up from 33.9% earlier.

History

Historical Context

When the WNBA launched in 1997, the Houston Comets captured the inaugural championship, establishing the league’s early competitive framework. The league began with eight franchises, including the New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury, each receiving a $1 million salary cap for the first season. Today, Atlanta Dream’s veteran DeWanna Bonner and Allisha Gray’s injury-return echo the Comets’ reliance on seasoned stars and mid-season roster adjustments. That precedent shows how injury clearances and veteran signings can shift playoff dynamics, prompting coaches like Karl Smesko to balance experience with health.

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Allisha Gray Awaiting Clearance

Allisha Gray is awaiting medical clearance to play in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals.
She injured her left ring finger on Oct. 4 against the New York Liberty and had a hand procedure.
Gray reported “great” progress on Oct. 15 during limited practice in San Francisco.
Coach Karl Smesko said her status is a game-time decision and minutes will not be limited.

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