Griner shines in return to Phoenix: Dream defeats Mercury in the WNBA

Brittney Griner Shines in Return to Phoenix, Leading the Dream to Victory

In an emotional encounter, Brittney Griner led the Atlanta Dream to a victory over her former team, the Phoenix Mercury, with a score of 90-79. Griner, who played 11 seasons with the Mercury, demonstrated her worth with 17 points and eight rebounds. The game marked Griner’s return to Phoenix, where she won the WNBA championship in 2014. Before the game, the Mercury paid her a special tribute, with former teammates Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor present on the court.

When I looked and saw D and Penny there, it lit me up a little. Being back on the court where I basically started my career, where I played the most, felt good. The crowd, seeing familiar faces, hearing old stories, signing jerseys that I’ve signed a thousand times, it was good. It was a really good feeling.

Brittney Griner

Allisha Gray was the top scorer of the match with 28 points, including a basket that extended the Dream’s lead to 84-71 with 3:03 minutes remaining. Sami Whitcomb tried to bring Phoenix closer with consecutive three-pointers, but Griner responded with a basket to maintain Atlanta’s lead. Jordin Canada scored 14 points and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, 11 for Atlanta (14-10), which achieved its second victory in five games. Rhyne Howard, Atlanta’s second-leading scorer with 16.5 points, did not participate in the game. Gray made 10 of 16 shots, adding his tenth 20-point game this season. Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper returned to the starting lineup for Phoenix (15-8) after being absent since July 3 due to injuries. Sabally finished with 13 points, Copper with 10 and DeWanna Bonner scored 18. Alyssa Thomas achieved 7 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. Gray scored 13 points in the first half, helping Atlanta take a 39-34 lead. Phoenix shot 29.7% from the field, including 3 of 15 from three-pointers, but stayed close by making the nine free throws they attempted.