Brittney Griner is once again back on the court for her first game on American soil since 2021. Griner missed out on professional basketball ever since being detained in a Russian cell. However, after almost spending 300 days in Russia, and gearing up for the upcoming season, Griner was announced to the fans. Even though it is only the pre-season, it sure looked like a big occasion with Griner making her return.
The Phoenix Mercury will be in action on May 20th, when the WNBA season will be underway. However, it is the first time since coming back home, that Griner has played professional basketball. Griner has often been a popular name in the Footprint Center, however, this ought to be a special occasion. When her name was announced, the crowd cheered for her loudly, with her teammates applauding her return.
The return! #ValleyTogether pic.twitter.com/LGCKo2kP4L
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 13, 2023
The Mercury fell shot against the Sparks, 90-71, it will be least bothering to them. Griner started the game as a starter and was on the court for a total of 17 minutes. She ended up having a 10-point game and adding 3 rebounds and a block. All the players played, which restricted her playing time, however, as she plays more games, she is bound to get better.
After the game, Griner had a few words. “I’m grateful to be here, that’s for sure,” Griner said. “I’m not going to take a day for granted,” she continued. The WNBA All-star was critical of her performance. “Not where I want it to be, but on the right track,” Griner said. It is going to take a while before Griner is back to her best and knows that more work is to be put in.
Brittney Griner to feature in Phoenix Mercury’s first 2023-24 season WNBA game on May 20, 2023
With the last pre-season game over, the Phoenix Mercury will have a week before their season gets underway. The Phoenix Mercury will be traveling to Los Angeles to face the team they met earlier in pre-season. The Sparks managed to trump the Mercury, in a heavy victory over them. They will be set to meet each other on May 20, 2023, on a Saturday night.
𝐍𝐨. 𝟒𝟐 back on her home court! pic.twitter.com/2dfItAciHI
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 13, 2023
It is going to be exciting to see how many minutes Griner gets in her first competitive game since 2021. Nevertheless, we would expect warm support for BG, as she steps on the court. Griner will be eagerly looking forward to her first competitive game in a long time.
