Griner returns to Mercury lineup after missing three games

SEATTLE — Brittney Griner believes her voice is being heard when it comes to safer and better travel conditions for herself, her team, and the other players in the WNBA. “It feels good being back on the court – I hate missing games, I hate being hurt or down with anything,” said Griner, who had 11 points and six rebounds in 20 minutes of action of a 97-74 loss. “I just wish we could have done better.” This was Griner’s first appearance in Seattle since a 2021 playoff game. Saturday was the fourth road game for Phoenix since an incident in the Dallas-Fort Worth airport on June 9 when Griner was harassed by a social media “provocateur” as the team was heading to its flight for a game in Indiana. She slapped hands with several of them and said, “Thank you.” On her way back to the locker room about 50 minutes before game time, Griner posed for several photos with fans – even taking some of the phones and snapping the pictures herself.