Brittney Griner strolled down the sideline about one and a half hours before the Phoenix Mercury played Friday night, giving hugs and high-fiving her teammates, coaches and opposing players.
Then it was a little stretching, a little shooting and a little agility work to prepare for a basketball game. Just like old times. “I’m grateful to be here, that’s for sure,” Griner said. “I’m not going to take a day for granted.” Griner returned to game action for the first time since a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia on drug-related charges ended with a prisoner swap in December.
The seven-time All-Star, who missed the entire 2022 season because of the detainment, finished with 10 points and three rebounds in a WNBA preseason game against the Los Angeles Sparks.
The 6ft 9in Griner looked good, especially considering the long layoff, casually throwing down a one-handed dunk during warmups.