WNBA star Brittney Griner returns to home state of Texas for first time since Russian detainment

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Brittney Griner had a Texas homecoming, in private and on the court with the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA star's home state six months after her release from a Russian prison.

The only thing really missing was a victory.

Even before the first of consecutive games against the Dallas Wings, Griner was getting shouts of encouragement while out eating with teammates. And less than two hours before Wednesday night's game, she met in private with the women's basketball team from Baylor, the campus 100 miles away where she was part of a 40-0 national championship in 2012.

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Phoenix Mercurys Brittney Griner, left, talks with fans after preparing for the teams WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.  (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

"Close to home, AAU team is here, my high school came up, Baylor came down. I was really, really, really, really happy to see the Baylor team. That meant a lot having them here," said Griner, who also had family from Houston and Little Rock at the game.

When the starting lineups were introduced before Phoenix's 84-79 loss, Griner got a rousing ovation from the crowd of 4,242. She responded by applauding to the crowd, then made a jumper on the game’s first shot for the first of her 24 points.

"It was just a lot of support. It was just good seeing everybody and just being back in Texas. I mean miss being here, so it was really cool," she said. "When I came out, the love, that meant a lot to me."

The Mercury were on the road for only the second time this season. It is the first time for Griner to play in her home state