In an exciting WNBA matchup, Brittney Griner led the Atlanta Dream over the Phoenix Mercury, with a final score of 90-79. The game, which took place on Wednesday night, marked Griner’s return to Phoenix, where she built a distinguished 11-season career with the Mercury.
Griner, who previously played for the Mercury, proved her worth by scoring 17 points and grabbing eight rebounds. The match had a special meaning, as it represented her return to the city where she started and developed much of her professional career.
Before the game, the Mercury paid tribute to Griner with a moving video, with her 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 bit. Being back on the court where I basically started my career, where I played most of it, 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
La jugadora de las Dream, Brittney Griner, junto a su ex compañera de equipo Diana Taurasi. Griner jugó 11 temporadas para las Mercury, ganando un título con ellas en 2014.
Allisha Gray Shines with 28 Points
Allisha Gray shone with an outstanding performance, scoring 28 points, including a basket that extended the Dream’s lead to 84-71 with 3:03 left in the game. Despite the attempts of Sami Whitcomb, who scored consecutive three-pointers to bring Phoenix closer, Griner responded with a basket that secured Atlanta’s lead.
Other Key Players
Jordin Canada contributed 14 points, while Shatori Walker-Kimbrough added 11 for the Dream. On the other hand, Rhyne Howard, Atlanta’s second-leading scorer, did not participate in the game. Gray demonstrated her effectiveness by scoring 10 of 16 shots, achieving her tenth 20-point game this season.
Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper returned to the Phoenix starting lineup after recovering from injuries. Sabally finished with 13 points, Copper with 10, and DeWanna Bonner with 18.
In the first half, Gray scored 13 points, helping Atlanta take a 39-34 lead. Despite a low field goal percentage for Phoenix, the team stayed close thanks to their free throw effectiveness.
