'You Either Got It or You Don’t': Allisha Gray’s Cold-Blooded Response After Dream Defeat Wings

From the outset, Gray made her presence felt on both ends. She attacked early, knocked down open looks, and played a central role in setting the tone for Atlanta’s ball movement and spacing. Her focus, she said, was making sure the mistakes from the previous game didn’t carry over.

“The biggest thing was bouncing back from the last game and understanding the mistakes we made, and just come out today and not make the same mistakes,” Gray said. “I think it just speaks to me being an all-around player. I try to benefit the game in any way I can, make the extra pass, take the open shot, and help setting up my teammates.”

Head coach Karl Smesko said he noticed Gray’s intent right away.

“Her defense was excellent, she was looking for her shot,” Smesko said. “She was kind of disappointed with how she played in the last game, and I just loved her mentality going into today. Right from the beginning, she was ready to go.”

Atlanta Dream Veteran Leadership Shines Late in the Fourth

Dallas stormed back in the final period, slicing a 20-point deficit to five behind strong play from their reserves. But Gray delivered when Atlanta needed it most. She scored seven points in the fourth quarter, made two key blocks, and helped settle the team when the Wings started to find rhythm.

“She took command late,” Smesko said. “We had a stretch in the fourth where we weren’t getting back in transition, and they were getting easy ones. But we settled down and made big plays. Allisha was a big part of that.”

Gray hit timely shots, forced difficult looks defensively, and calmly knocked down free throws in the closing minutes, demonstrating the poise and versatility that have made her a cornerstone of Atlanta’s rotation.

Allisha Gray Leads Atlanta Dream’s Balanced Attack

Gray led all scorers with 27 points, while Brittney Griner added 15 and Brionna Jones finished with 11 points and 15 rebounds. Rhyne Howard distributed a career-best 10 assists, and Maya Caldwell chipped in with a critical fourth-quarter three to stop Dallas’ momentum. The Dream finished with 23 assists on 29 made baskets and shot 42.6% from the field.

“I just be dishin,” Gray joked. “I try to benefit the game anywhere I can—making the extra pass, taking the open shot, and helping set up my teammates.”

Dallas, now 0–4, was led by NaLyssa Smith’s 13 points and Maddy Siegrist’s 12. Paige Bueckers scored 11 but shot 4-of-15, and the Wings’ starters combined to shoot just 27.6%.

Atlanta improved to 2–2 and will return to action Sunday afternoon, hosting the Connecticut Sun at 3 p.m. ET in a back-to-back. With her bounce-back effort behind her, Gray showed why the Dream rely on her to anchor both ends of the floor, whether she’s dishing, defending, or delivering the dagger.