Brittney Griner, the WNBA all-star and LGBTQ+ advocate, greeted her Phoenix Mercury teammates with an infectious energy and a sense of camaraderie, just over an hour before their game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Her high-fives and warm hugs echoed her gratitude for the game and her return to the court, after nearly ten months of detainment in Russia on drug-related charges.
The Phoenix Rises Again
Griner’s return marked her first game since her release from Russia. The seven-time All-Star had missed the 2022 season due to her detainment but managed to score 10 points and secure three rebounds in a preseason game, despite her extended absence from the court. Griner, standing tall at 6-foot-9, appeared in good form, even effortlessly dunking one-handed during warmups.
A Stirring Anthem
During the national anthem, the 32-year-old basketball player stood alongside her teammates, a testament to her resilience and fortitude. The anthem, she confessed, resonated differently this time, evoking powerful emotions akin to those experienced during Olympic gold medal ceremonies. Phoenix Mercury’s coach, Vanessa Nygaard, admitted that the anthem and Griner’s introduction stirred emotions throughout the team, dubbing Griner’s return to the court “an absolute miracle.”
Once the game was underway, Griner proved her capability on the court, scoring with a turnaround jumper early in the first quarter. Not only a key player, Griner also showcased her empathy when teammate Sophie Cunningham suffered a knee injury; she helped carry Cunningham off the court, reinforcing the team’s unwavering support for one another.
Advocate off the Court
Beyond her prowess on the court, Griner is renowned as an LGBTQ+ activist and was the first openly gay athlete to be sponsored by Nike. Her recent ordeal in Russia has amplified her platform, enabling her to advocate for Americans detained abroad. She is currently collaborating with Bring Our Families Home, a campaign supporting American hostages and wrongful detainees held overseas.
Despite feeling a little rusty, Griner remains optimistic about her performance and the road ahead. Her return infuses the Phoenix Mercury with hope for another potential run to the WNBA Finals. As the new season begins in Los Angeles next week, all eyes will be on Griner, a beacon of resilience and determination, both on and off the court.