Brittney Griner Makes Emotional Return to WNBA Action

• Brittney Griner made her return to the WNBA after since 2021
• She starred for the Phoenix Mercury, who lost their opening game 94-71 to the Los Angeles Sparks
• US Vice President Kamala Harris and other dignitaries were in attendance

After 579 days, Brittney Griner finally made her WNBA return.

It was her first appearance on the court for the first time since October 2021, following her arrest in 2022 and conviction in Russia on drug charges.

Although her team, the Phoenix Mercury, lost 94-71 on their first game of the season against the Los Angeles Sparks, she had an excellent game. She finished with a team-high 18 points to go with six rebounds, two assists, and four blocks, all in 25 minutes. Griner was 7 for 9 from the field, per Sporting News.

Griner was released from Russian custody in December 2022 after the U.S. reached a prisoner swap deal that sent international arms dealer Viktor Bout in return.

Top 15 hottest female sports reporters in 2023

Other Sports

Vice President Kamala Harris attended the game in her home state of California and met with Griner in the locker room pregame, per SI.

Pau Gasol, former Lakers forward Robert Horry, and coach Darvin Ham were also in attendance. Tennis legend Billie Jean King and LA Lakers icon Earvin 'Magic' Johnson attended the game too.

Griner reacts to WNBA return

The 32-year-old was delighted with her return.

"The love from the fans who came out was amazing," said Griner. I definitely feel it, and I felt it while I was over there too...It felt good, it felt real good. It felt like the last time I played," via BBC.

The two-time Olympic champion is playing in her 10th WNBA season with the Mercury.

"I appreciate everything a little bit more now," Griner said. All the little, small moments. I used to say, oh I'm so tired, I don't want to go to practice today. I think that has changed. I'm just appreciating everything because tomorrow is not guaranteed. You don't know what it's going to look like."

Joel Embiid presented with MVP award, but Sixers lose Game 3 to Celtics

NBA

Griner opens up on Russian captivity

Sports Brief earlier reported on Griner speaking publically for the first time five months after being released from Russian imprisonment. She vowed never to play overseas again.

She held her first news conference since her release on April 27 at the Footprint Center. She said her detention in Russia was a big adversity in her life.

"I'm never going overseas to play again unless it's to represent my country," she said. "The whole reason a lot of us go over is the pay gap... to support our families, to support ourselves."