Mercury center Brittney Griner made her preseason debut Friday against the Los Angeles Sparks, marking her return to the court for the first time since she was detained in Russia for 10 months last year. Here’s what you need to know:
- Griner, 32, put up 10 points in just over 17 minutes of playing time in the 90-71 loss. She went 6-for-8 from the free-throw line and grabbed three rebounds.
- The seven-time All-Star signed a one-year deal to return to the Mercury in February.
- She was released from prison in Russia on Dec. 8 as part of a one-for-one prisoner swap. Griner said last month she won’t play overseas again unless she’s on an Olympic team.
𝐍𝐨. 𝟒𝟐 back on her home court! pic.twitter.com/2dfItAciHI
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 13, 2023
What has training camp been like for Griner thus far?
It’s been a busy last few weeks for Griner, who, in addition to taking part in Mercury training camp, has made appearances at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner and The Met Gala. Griner attended both at the start of the preseason, telling reporters at media day on May 3 that the first few days of training camp were “crazy” for her for that reason. Coach Vanessa Nygaard said on media day that Griner has been “a light of energy” for…
