After a hiatus of 579 days, Brittney Griner made her long-awaited comeback to the WNBA.
This marked her first on-court appearance since October 2021, as she had faced legal issues and conviction in Russia on drug-related charges in 2022.
Despite her team, the Phoenix Mercury, suffering a 94-71 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks in their season opener, Griner delivered an outstanding performance during the 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.
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.
Thank you @VP Kamala Harris for everything you and the Administration did to bring our sister home.
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 20, 2023
And thanks for the pregame speech! 💜 pic.twitter.com/SzuFrpMnP2
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.”
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.”