Brittney Griner Brings The Heat In 1st Preseason Game Since Detainment In Russia
Loading the player…
Brittney Griner is back on the court.
The Phoneix Mercury played on May 12 and BG was in great spirits. She said, “I’m grateful to be here, that’s for sure. I’m not going to take a day for granted.”
She also spoke on the national anthem and said it “hit different.”
“It’s like when you go for the Olympics, you’re sitting there, about to get gold put on your neck, the flags are going up and the anthem is playing, it just hits different,” Brittney said.
The seven-time All-Star greeted her teammates with hugs and high-fives, according to ABC. On the Mercury’s Instagram account, they showed some of the players gearing up for the season. In the caption, it says, “Preparation is key.” Take a look:
The training session is big for Brittney, who missed the entire 2022 season because of the Russian detainment. During the preseason game, Brittney finished with 10 points and three rebounds against the Los Angeles Sparks.
Brittney was locked up in Russia for one year after pleading guilty to drug charges. In a drawn-out, dramatic, high-profile prisoner exchange, Brittney returned home in December 2022. She’s releasing a memoir about the traumatic experience.
Earlier this year, Brittney resigned with the Phoenix Mercury for one year. She played for them in 2021 and helped the team reach the WNBA Finals. She was drafted in 2013 by Mercury and has played with them for nine seasons.
During an “emotional” press conference last month, BG said she would never play overseas again. She said she would make an exception if she was representing America at the Olympics.”
Glad to see BG’s life in a better light these days. Earlier in May, she attended the Met Gala alongside her wife Cherelle. Take a look: