WNBA: Dream’s Allisha Gray named an All-Star for second-straight season

The Atlanta Dream (7-11) received uplifting news on Tuesday amid a season filled with injuries and inconsistency. Allisha Gray was named a 2024 WNBA All-Star for the second consecutive year, marking her second overall honor.

This announcement followed Gray’s impressive performance where she scored 19 points in Atlanta’s 87-77 home loss to the Chicago Sky. Despite her strong offensive showing against the New York Liberty on Sunday with 24 points, the Dream suffered an 81-75 defeat after letting a 16-point lead slip away.

Gray’s performances have been a mixed bag this season. A good game from her often results in a win for Atlanta. In the team’s seven victories, she averages 18.9 points per game on 50 percent shooting, including 59.0 percent from 3-point range. However, in the 11 losses, her averages drop to 13.8 points per game on 38.2 percent shooting overall and 26.4 percent from 3. Overall, she is averaging 15.8 points per game on 42.8 percent shooting, along with 3.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and a steal per game. The Dream relies on Gray to consistently produce All-Star-level numbers to break free from their struggles.

Oh, Canada!

After missing the first 14 games due to a hand injury, Jordin Canada made her debut on June 23 against the Liberty but is now sidelined again with a broken finger. Her return brought positive momentum to Atlanta, especially on offense, as she added pace and organization to their game plan. Canada’s absence poses a challenge for the Dream’s offense, making consistent scoring difficult with Rhyne Howard also out with an ankle injury.

Welcome back, Maya?

Atlanta recently waived Crystal Dangerfield and signed Maya Caldwell to the roster. Canada’s injury might lead to another roster move to add a primary ball handler. Caldwell has shown potential as a valuable player with her defensive skills and shooting ability.

Caldwell’s performance in 2022 and this season has been promising, especially if she can maintain her accuracy from beyond the arc. Her shooting can be a crucial asset to the Dream’s offense, which is currently lacking efficient perimeter scoring.

What’s next for Atlanta?

Next, the Dream will face the Dallas Wings in Texas and then the Connecticut Sun in the northeast. With key players like Canada, Howard, and Powers out due to injuries, Atlanta faces challenges but looks to build on their recent successes.