Atlanta Dream forward Allisha Gray was listed in the starting lineup for Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday, marking her return after missing the last two semifinal games with a left ring‑finger injury. The opening match took place at the sold‑out Chase Center in San Francisco, where the Dream faced the Golden State Valkyries in a best‑of‑seven series.
Coach Smesko confident Gray can play without limits
Dream head coach Karl Smesko said before the game that he did not expect any restrictions for his star player. “She’s going to go through the workout today. Everything’s trending in the right direction,” Smesko told reporters. “It’s a hand injury, so if she can go I don’t expect there to be anything limiting other than if she has trouble with it during the game.”
Gray’s recent performance and season stats
Gray, 31, missed the final two games of the best‑of‑three semifinal series in which Atlanta swept the New York Liberty. She returned to light practice on Friday, working on shooting and ball handling despite the lingering finger issue. During the regular season, Gray led the Dream in scoring, averaging 19 points per game, and posted a league‑best 3.1 three‑pointers per game, establishing herself as the team’s premier outside shooter.
Valkyries’ home‑court advantage
The Golden State Valkyries have sold out every game at Chase Center since their inception two years ago, creating a raucous atmosphere that the team calls “Ballhalla.” The deafening crowd has been a defining feature of the postseason, and both coaches acknowledged the challenge of playing in such a loud environment.
“We understand how loud it is here and how supportive their fans are and what a great atmosphere and environment they’ve provided,” Smesko said. “So we understand what we’re in for.” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase echoed the sentiment, noting that the team expects “Ballhalla” to be rocking throughout the series.
What the matchup means for the series
The Dream and Valkyries are the top two defensive teams in the league, setting up a clash of strong, disciplined squads. With Gray back in the lineup, Atlanta hopes to capitalize on her scoring ability and perimeter shooting to offset the Valkyries’ home‑court energy. The series will now shift to a best‑of‑seven format, giving both teams ample opportunity to adjust tactics and showcase depth.
Looking ahead
If Gray can stay healthy, the Dream’s offense will have a significant boost, especially in the early minutes when the Valkyries tend to press aggressively. Coach Smesko emphasized that the team will monitor Gray’s finger throughout the game, but expressed confidence that any discomfort will be minimal.
Fans can expect a tightly contested series, with the first game setting the tone for what could be a historic championship run for either franchise. The next games will move to Atlanta’s home arena, where the Dream will look to leverage their own passionate fan base.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
