Dream's Gray (hand) 'feeling fine, but I am not 100%'

Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray is managing a left-hand injury as the WNBA Finals reach a critical point. Following Friday's practice, Gray sat on the bench with an ice pack on the hand before fitting it into a black Velcro brace, which she wears whenever she is not playing.

Gray injured the hand in Game 1 of Atlanta's semifinal series against the New York Liberty. She told ESPN that the two scars on the hand are the result of a "minor procedure" and clarified that there are no screws in it, though she declined to give further details.

The injury cost Gray most of the Liberty series, but she returned for the Finals against the Golden State Valkyries. Through three games, she is averaging 15 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists, with her shooting down at 28.9% from the field and 22.2% from three-point range.

"I am feeling fine, but I am not 100%," Gray said Friday. She said she is leaning on perspective to play through the pain: "The biggest thing for me is giving myself a lot of grace. I am literally playing for eight fingers."

Gray added that the injured fingers do not significantly affect her shot release and she is trying not to overthink the physicality of her game. She briefly exited Game 3 after contact with the Valkyries' Gabby Williams but returned minutes later.

The Dream hold a 2-1 series lead, with Game 4 scheduled Saturday at State Farm Arena, and Gray will be key to their title hopes.