Brittney Griner returned to Phoenix for the first time in over a year on Wednesday, where she once played for her first 11 seasons. Now with the Atlanta Dream, Griner scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead her new team to a 90-79 victory over her former Mercury squad.
The Mercury honored Griner with a tribute video before the game, with longtime teammate Diana Taurasi sitting courtside. Griner expressed her emotions about the return, saying that seeing her old teammates and familiar faces sparked a sense of nostalgia and motivation. She remarked, “When I looked over and saw D and Penny [Taylor] over there, it kind of ignited me a little bit. Just being back on the court where I basically started my career on, played the majority of it, it just felt good. The crowd, seeing familiar faces, hearing old stories, signing jerseys that I’ve signed like a thousand times, it was good. It was a really good feeling.”
Griner’s performance was a significant contribution to the Dream’s success, as the team’s victory marked a strong showing for the Dream’s new roster. The game also highlighted the respect and admiration Griner has earned over the years, both within and outside the WNBA. With the Dream, she has started all 21 games she has played this season, putting up 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds. Her 17 points on Wednesday were her fourth-most this season.
Griner signed a one-year deal with the Dream over the offseason, which has allowed her to continue her impressive career on the court. She is writing herself a Hall of Fame resume, being a two-time scoring champ and leading the WNBA in blocks eight times. She also has been named to seven All-Defensive teams.
Her return to Phoenix was not only a personal milestone but also a testament to her legacy in the WNBA. The game was a fitting tribute to her career, as she played a key role in the Mercury’s 2014 WNBA championship and was named an All-Star nine times, twice the Defensive Player of the Year, and was constantly in the MVP conversation. She missed the 2022 season due to being detained in Russia, which took a toll on her career, but her return to the court with the Dream shows her resilience and dedication to the sport.
Overall, Griner’s performance and the emotional impact of her return to Phoenix underscore her significance in the WNBA. As the Dream continue to build their roster, Griner’s presence is expected to be a major factor in their future success. The game was not only a celebration of her career but also a promising start for the Dream as they navigate the upcoming season.