EmailPrintSAN FRANCISCO -- Atlanta Dream forward Allisha Gray was cautiously optimistic Thursday about her availability for Saturday's Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries, though she noted that the final decision would be made by the medical staff.Gray has been out since she injured her left ring finger in Game 1 of the semifinal round against the New York Liberty.The four-time All-Star is listed as day-to-day because of a hand injury, and Gray, with a smirk, called it a "hurt finger.""Just me getting comfortable, being able to handle the physicality of practice and stuff, which has been feeling well," Gray said as she addressed the media after practice Thursday. "But I'm going to leave it up to the medical staff. I feel good. Been taking it day by day. Progress has been well. Long as I can shoot, I'm good. So hopefully, I get some good news where I am able to play Saturday."Gray, who has averaged 17 points and two steals in three 2026 postseason games, was limited in practice but didn't appear to have an issue with pain while shooting during the open media period. Her left ring and pinkie fingers were taped together during practice, and then she wore a bulkier brace after the workout. The progress has been "great," she said.Gray originally came back into that Game 1 with the two fingers taped together. She tore off the tape after missing a shot. She left the game soon after."Me coming back out was just my competitive nature of not wanting to sit out," she said, "but it was just to a point where I couldn't play anymore, so I knew that I wasn't able to help my team anymore. So, it was best for me to sit down. But now that everything is put together and fixed, I'm good to go."The medical staff is watching how the finger reacts to practices and from day to day and her pain level, Gray said. She recently had a minor surgical procedure that, Gray said, was necessary for her to have a chance of playing in the Finals.Coach Karl Smesko said the Dream have constructed separate game plans -- one with Gray available and one without. They aren't drastically different, he said, but DeWanna Bonner is impacted the most."[Gray is] a great player," Smesko said. "You've got to be prepared for any eventuality, but you know she's been a limited participant in practice. It's trending in the right direction, and we hope that she's out there for sure."Yeah, I think every additional day helps. She was in quite a bit of pain, [that's] why she missed the New York series. She's trending in the right direction. We are hopeful."
