The Atlanta Dream are hitting the court tonight for Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals against the New York Liberty, but they’re doing it without their leading scorer, Allisha Gray. Gray, who injured her hand during the first quarter of Atlanta’s Game 1 win on Sunday, has been ruled out, leaving a massive hole just when the team needs her most. Head coach Karl Smesko says Gray had an X-ray and is day-to-day, which means her absence could sting for a while.
No Gray? No Problem? The Dream’s Next Woman Up Moment
The Dream already took Game 1 with a clutch third quarter and a shutdown defensive effort. Now they’re looking to go 2-0 and take that huge lead back to New York. The tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at State Farm Arena. Stepping up in Gray’s place will likely be DeWanna Bonner, who absolutely went off for 23 points coming off the bench in Game 1. Talk about stepping up when it counts, right? This is the kind of grit you need in the playoffs, and if Bonner can bring that energy from the jump, the Dream might just weather this storm. It’s all about staying undefeated and maintaining that playoff momentum.
State Farm Arena: A New-Old Home for the Dream
Beyond the immediate playoff battle, there’s even more big news out of Atlanta. The Dream are moving back to State Farm Arena next season after securing a multi-year deal on Tuesday. They used to play at State Farm Arena, back when it was Phillips Arena, from 2008 to 2016. Since 2021, they’ve been hooping at Gateway Center Arena in College Park. Morgan Shaw Parker, president and COO of the Atlanta Dream, nailed it when she said, “This is an exciting next chapter for the Atlanta Dream, and a direct reflection of the exciting style of play that is Dream basketball, the passion of our fans and the incredible growth of this franchise.” It’s a big move for the franchise, signaling growth and a commitment to their fan base, even as they face a massive challenge on the court tonight.
Can the Dream rally without Gray and grab that crucial 2-0 lead? Bonner stepping into the starting five is going to be must-watch basketball. This Game 2 isn’t just about a win, it’s about proving their depth and resilience on the biggest stage.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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