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Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream looking to bounce back after Game 1 loss in WNBA Finals

The Golden State Valkyries took game one in the series.
ByMorgan Moriarty
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Oct 17, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) controls the ball against the Golden State Valkyries during the fourth quarter of game one of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Oct 17, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) controls the ball against the Golden State Valkyries during the fourth quarter of game one of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The WNBA Finals have begun, and Allisha Gray and the Atlanta Dream look to bounce back after falling short against the Golden State Valkyries in Game 1. Golden State, which joined the W as an expansion team just last season, took Game 1 by a final score of 68-64. 

Dream star and former South Carolina Gamecock Allisha Gray, who made her first return back to game action since injuring her ring finger during Game 1 of the semifinals against the New York Liberty. She played well in her first game back, finishing with 19 points and six rebounds, which led Atlanta on the floor offensively.

But her efforts weren't enough against the Valkyries, who led for all 100 seconds. The Dream finished the last 2:53 of the game going 0-for-7 from the floor. The Valkyries defense did a good job shutting down Gray in the same quarter, not allowing her to score a point. 

The Valkyries also got a big boost from former Gamecock Laeticia Amihere, who despite having a quiet series against the Dallas Wings in the semifinals, finished with five points and five rebounds with a block. 

Golden State also did a great job of shutting down Angel Reese, as she finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds, as she had four turnovers. 

"We were right there. Right there," Atlanta head coach Karl Smesko said after the game. That's why it hurts a little bit, but it also motivates us."

Midseason grades for South Carolina at the midway point of the season

Both franchises are playing for their first-ever WNBA Finals victory in team history. Atlanta has been to the Finals four times, with the last coming in 2013 against the Minnesota Lynx. 

If the Dream want a chance at winning a title, getting a win in Game 2 before the series heads back to Atlanta will be key. Gray, who was drafted in the first round with the No. 4 overall pick by the Dallas Wings in 2017 has been with Atlanta since the 2023 season.

Game 2 of the series will tip off on Monday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. ET. The game will air live on USA Network and CNBC. 

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