The Atlanta Dream have a 1-0 series lead against the New York Liberty, and they'll be looking to extend it in Game 2. During Game 1, the Dream suffered a huge blow to the team as Allisha Gray went down with a left hand injury and had to leave. Ahead of Game 2, she's already been ruled out, but is listed as day-to-day with an injury.
Now, many are wondering who will start in place of Gray, and, no surprise, DeWanna Bonner has been practicing with the first unit, according to Annie Costabile of The Athletic.
“DeWanna Bonner on with the Dream’s starting unit during shoot around this AM. Allisha Gray was ruled out for Game 2 with a left hand injury,” Costabile wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Bonner has given the Dream a huge boost in the playoffs, and she finished with 23 points in Game 1 against the Liberty. She'll once again be looked upon to give them the offense they need in Gray's absence, and the veteran has always answered when her number is called.
Outside of Bonner, other players will also have to step up in Gray's absence. Jordin Canada was key for the Dream in Game 1, specifically in the third quarter, when she continued to create points off the Liberty's turnovers. The Liberty won't be as careless with the ball as they were days ago, but that doesn't mean the Dream should let up their defensive intensity.
Article Continues BelowRhyne Howard, Angel Reese and Naz Hillmon will also have to step up, and they've provided strong play throughout the postseason. It's going to take a total team effort to fill Gray's void, and the Dream have the talent on the team to still have a chance to defeat the Liberty.
All eyes will be on Gray to see when she's able to return to the floor, and the hope for them is that it's sooner rather than later.

