Brittney Griner returns to WNBA preseason after arrest in Russia

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner made her long-awaited return to the court on Friday night after being detained in Russia for almost 10 months on drug-related charges. Griner, a seven-time All-Star, missed the entire 2022 WNBA season due to her detainment, but she was finally able to suit up for a preseason game against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Griner finished the game with 10 points and three rebounds and looked good, considering the long layoff. She even threw down a one-handed dunk during warmups, much to the delight of the home crowd. The 6-foot-9 center was emotional during the national anthem and introductions, receiving a loud ovation from the fans.

Phoenix Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard said the team was emotional during the anthem and introductions. Nygaard described Griner’s return to the court as an “absolute miracle” and said seeing her back out there gave her chills.

During the game, Griner immediately went to work, scoring on a turnaround jumper early in the first quarter. She was fouled on another turnaround and sank both free throws. Griner even had a cameo with the medical staff in the third quarter when teammate Sophie Cunningham went down with a knee injury. Griner helped carry her off the court so she didn’t have to put weight on her leg.

Griner’s return to the Mercury gives the franchise hope that they can make another run to the WNBA Finals. The former Baylor star helped the team win its third title in 2014 and has averaged 17.7 points and 7.6 rebounds during her nine-year career. She was the runner-up for Most Valuable Player in 2021, when the Mercury also played in the Finals but lost to the Chicago Sky.

Griner’s detainment in Russia for having vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage has given her a platform to advocate for other Americans being detained abroad. She announced in April that she is working with Bring Our Families Home, a campaign formed last year by the family members of American hostages and wrongful detainees held overseas. Griner said her team has been in contact with the family of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is being detained in Russia on espionage charges.

Griner said she was more rusty on the court than expected, but given the trials and emotions of the past 18 months, it was a pretty good night. Phoenix opens the regular season in Los Angeles next Friday.