Griner’s WNBA return was not a fairytale, but there were still plenty of joyful moments

Griner’s WNBA return was not a fairytale, but there were still plenty of joyful moments

Brittney Griner’s return to the WNBA, following almost ten months in a Russian prison, has been far from a fairytale. Her journey back has been marked by challenges, including injuries, a mental health break, travel complications, and her team, the Phoenix Mercury, struggling with a midseason coaching change.

Despite these obstacles, there have been numerous moments of joy. Griner was greeted with adoration in nearly every WNBA arena, delivering strong individual performances and earning another All-Star game selection. She also celebrated with her teammate and friend Diana Taurasi, who became the first player to score 10,000 career points in WNBA history.

Another joyful moment transpired on Friday night during Griner’s last home game of the season. A packed arena of 13,206 fans witnessed her score 10 points, including a buzzer-beating turnaround jumper in the first quarter, and secure two rebounds, even though the Mercury lost to the Las Vegas Aces by 94-73. While the Mercury’s season record stands at 9-30, causing them to miss the playoffs for the first time in a decade, the past 18 months have fortified Griner’s ability to handle such disappointments with grace.

Following the game, Griner joined her teammates in tossing T-shirts to the enthusiastic crowd, expressing her appreciation for the support. She remarked, “It’s been good – minus the record. I’ve enjoyed being here, playing basketball, being with this group, being back in the Valley with the fans. The crowd was amazing. I’m just happy to be here, doing what I love.”

One more game awaits her on Sunday in Las Vegas before she can enjoy some well-deserved rest. Griner eagerly shared her plans: “Going hunting with my dad. Try to get me a whitetail and a hog. I’m country. I like hunting, I like doing all that stuff, fishing, off-roading in my Jeep, mountain biking. That’s what I’ll be doing. It probably sounds like a lot, but that’s my peace.”

Griner’s return to the WNBA this season has been widely celebrated, and the expected criticism – stemming from her release in a swap involving notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout – failed to materialize. Aces coach Becky Hammon, who had also played for Russian teams during her playing days and represented the country in the Olympics, expressed relief at Griner’s return. She noted that it lifted a figurative cloud that hung over the league, with Griner’s impact felt not only on the court but also throughout the world.

Despite the extreme circumstances of her absence, Griner, at 32 years old, maintained remarkable averages of 17.7 points and 6.6 rebounds this season, slightly below her 2021 figures. Hammon, acknowledging Griner’s unparalleled skills, commented, “Am I surprised she’s kicking (butt) on the court? Not at all. That’s like riding a bike for her.”

Sydney Colson, a fellow Texan and opponent from high school expressed her amazement at Griner’s return to American soil and her resilience, both mentally and physically. Griner’s ordeal in Russia has also fueled her drive to make a positive impact. Her increased visibility from the detainment for carrying vape cartridges with cannabis oil has allowed her to advocate for other Americans detained abroad. Already an LGBTQ+ activist since publicly coming out in 2013, she became the first openly gay athlete sponsored by Nike. Griner revealed in April that she is collaborating with Bring Our Families Home, a campaign initiated by the family members of American hostages and wrongful detainees held overseas.