Griner chosen as an WNBA All-Star starter with Wilson and Stewart captains again
1 year, 5 months ago

Griner chosen as an WNBA All-Star starter with Wilson and Stewart captains again

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Brittney Griner will be starting in the WNBA All-Star Game a year after she was an honorary choice by the league while she was being detained in Russia. The Phoenix Mercury’s center was chosen by fans, media and players Sunday for her ninth All-Star game. A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart were the top voter getters among fans and will be the captains of the two teams when the game is played in Las Vegas on July 15. “So it’s another moment to just continue to celebrate her and watch her do her thing on the court.” As far as drafting Griner, Stewart hopes she gets the opportunity although Wilson has the first pick. I am humbled to be able to play alongside such talented, professional women showcasing their amazing skills and athleticism to the fans.” The backcourt starters are Las Vegas teammates Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young, Seattle’s Jewell Loyd and Dallas’ Arike Ogunbowale.

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History of this topic

Griner, Jones among WNBA’s picks for skills competitions. Clark, Ionescu decline 3-point contest
5 months, 1 week ago

Griner, Jones among WNBA’s picks for skills competitions. Clark, Ionescu decline 3-point contest

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Phoenix’s Brittney Griner and New York’s Jonquel Jones are among the biggest names participating in the WNBA’s special competitions on Friday during the league’s All-Star weekend. But the league’s Skills Challenge and 3-point Contest won’t include a handful of the league’s most popular players, including Indiana’s Caitlin Clark, Chicago’s Angel Reese and New York’s Sabrina Ionescu. The Skills …

WNBA rookie rankings: Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark battle for top spot
5 months, 2 weeks ago

WNBA rookie rankings: Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark battle for top spot

New York Times  

Read the latest edition of The Athletic’s WNBA rookie rankings A decade ago at the WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, two rookies became the story. The countdown begins… ⏳ Get ready to witness the ultimate clash of talent as #WNBAAllStar meets the USA Women’s National Team on July 20th at 8:30pm/ET on ABC 📺 pic.twitter.com/oEyJciHmEx — WNBA July 3, 2024 …

Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese headline WNBA All-Star team that will face US Olympic squad
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese headline WNBA All-Star team that will face US Olympic squad

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese will team up on the WNBA All-Star team to play against the U.S. Olympic team led by A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. I don’t want it to take away from any of that and be the focal point of All-Star weekend because that’s not fair to them.” Clark was the leading vote-getter …

Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese to make WNBA All-Star Game debuts: Full rosters
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese to make WNBA All-Star Game debuts: Full rosters

New York Times  

The 2024 WNBA All-Star Game rosters are set with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese making their debuts in the annual showcase later this month. Boston, who is averaging 13.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, finished second in the fan vote and was automatically named to the team as a function of being in the top 10. She is averaging …

Griner’s WNBA return not a fairytale, but there were still plenty of joyful moments
1 year, 3 months ago

Griner’s WNBA return not a fairytale, but there were still plenty of joyful moments

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Brittney Griner’s return to the WNBA after nearly 10 months in a Russian prison hasn’t always been the smoothest ride. “It probably sounds like a lot, but that’s my peace.” Griner’s return this season has been widely celebrated around the WNBA and much of the expected vitriol — she was freed as part of a swap for notorious …

Brittney Griner won’t travel for next 2 games to focus on her mental health, team says
1 year, 4 months ago

Brittney Griner won’t travel for next 2 games to focus on her mental health, team says

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury say All-Star center Brittney Griner will not travel for the team’s next two games so she can focus on her mental health. The 6-foot-9 center — who became an international story during her 10-month detainment in Russia last year — is averaging 18.2 points and 6.7 rebounds over 20 games this season. Griner’s impressive individual …

Why Brittney Griner’s presence on the court makes the WNBA stronger
1 year, 5 months ago

Why Brittney Griner’s presence on the court makes the WNBA stronger

New York Times  

LAS VEGAS — Brittney Griner picked up Chelsea Gray before the Aces point guard crossed the half-court line. Griner added another dunk in the second half en route to her team’s 143-127 blowout win, but she relished more in simply being around these players after missing so many months in their presence. “To be able to share this moment with, …

Brittney Griner makes an emotional and dominant return to record-setting WNBA All-Star Game
1 year, 5 months ago

Brittney Griner makes an emotional and dominant return to record-setting WNBA All-Star Game

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner made an emphatic and emotional return to the WNBA’s midseason showcase event. They have never wavered in their support.” Griner led Team Stewart, captained by the New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart, to a 143-127 victory over Team Wilson, led by the Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson. Team Stewart’s Jewell Loyd of the Seattle Storm broke the All-Star Game …

Brittney Griner relishing latest All-Star Game experience
1 year, 5 months ago

Brittney Griner relishing latest All-Star Game experience

The Hindu  

A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart are serving as captains at the WNBA All-Star Game for the second consecutive year, but the biggest spotlight of Saturday’s main event in Las Vegas undoubtedly will be on Brittney Griner. READ:Las Vegas is the center of the basketball world ahead of the WNBA All-Star Game “It’s a great feeling to be here,” Griner said. …

Brittney Griner makes emotional return as Team Stewart prevails in WNBA All-Star Game
1 year, 5 months ago

Brittney Griner makes emotional return as Team Stewart prevails in WNBA All-Star Game

LA Times  

Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner acknowledges the crowd while being introduced before the start of the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday. “Everyone sending the letters and the love meant a lot to me.” Griner led Team Stewart, captained by the New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart, to a 143-127 over Team Wilson, led by the Aces’ A’ja Wilson. Team Stewart’s Jewell …

Brittney Griner surprised herself with making the WNBA All-Star Game
1 year, 5 months ago

Brittney Griner surprised herself with making the WNBA All-Star Game

Associated Press  

LAS VEGAS — Brittney Griner didn’t know what to expect when the WNBA season began, how she would respond after the trauma she experienced of being incarcerated in Russia that also forced her off the court for many months. “I just wanted to get out there and try my best not to get hurt, give it the best I’ve got,” …

WNBA: Griner chosen as an All-Star starter with Wilson and Stewart captains again
1 year, 5 months ago

WNBA: Griner chosen as an All-Star starter with Wilson and Stewart captains again

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner will be starting in the WNBA All-Star Game a year after she was an honorary choice by the league while she was being detained in Russia. The Phoenix Mercury’s center was chosen by fans, media and players Sunday for her ninth All-Star game. pic.twitter.com/1Io4944w8x — Phoenix Mercury June 25, 2023 A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart were the top …

WNBA working with Brittney Griner and Mercury on travel options including charter flights
1 year, 6 months ago

WNBA working with Brittney Griner and Mercury on travel options including charter flights

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The WNBA is working with Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury on travel options including charter flights going forward. Griner’s travel was back in the spotlight last week when the team took a flight to Texas and then Indiana, requiring Griner and her Mercury teammates to go through commercial airports. While going through a Dallas airport last …

Brittney Griner is honored in Washington despite missing Mercury’s game with a hip injury
1 year, 6 months ago

Brittney Griner is honored in Washington despite missing Mercury’s game with a hip injury

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Brittney Griner waved to fans who applauded her as she walked onto the court, embraced Elena Della Donne and signed an autograph before taking a seat on the bench. A hip injury prevented Griner from playing for the Phoenix Mercury against the Washington Mystics on Friday night. “That was a hard time for all of us,” said Washington …

WNBA opening weekend highlighted by Griner’s return
1 year, 7 months ago

WNBA opening weekend highlighted by Griner’s return

The Hindu  

The WNBA tipped off its 27th season this past weekend with the return of Brittney Griner, a historic effort by Breanna Stewart and a dominant performance by the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. The Sky, which lost four of its five starters from last season’s team, had impressive road wins over Minnesota and the Mercury playing stellar defense. GRINER WATCH …

Brittney Griner gets rousing welcome in Phoenix home game after release from Russian prison
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner gets rousing welcome in Phoenix home game after release from Russian prison

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner won the opening tip and ran to her familiar spot in the low post. “BG is somebody that can handle so many things clearly that many people could not handle.” Griner received a warm reception in her lone preseason game and again in the Mercury’s season opener at the Los Angeles Sparks. Many fans wore Griner’s 42 jersey …

Brittney Griner gets rousing welcome in Phoenix home game after release from Russian prison
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner gets rousing welcome in Phoenix home game after release from Russian prison

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Brittney Griner won the opening tip and ran to her familiar spot in the low post. “BG is somebody that can handle so many things clearly that many people could not handle.” Griner received a warm reception in her lone preseason game and again in the Mercury’s season opener at the Los Angeles Sparks. Many fans wore Griner’s …

‘A day of joy:’ Brittney Griner set to open 1st WNBA season since detainment in Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

‘A day of joy:’ Brittney Griner set to open 1st WNBA season since detainment in Russia

The Hindu  

For the first time since last season, Phoenix coach Vanessa Nygaard opened her pregame comments without announcing how many days Brittney Griner had been jailed in Russia. It was the 32-year-old center’s first game action since she was arrested at a Moscow airport in February 2022 after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges containing cannabis …

‘Day of joy’ as Griner makes WNBA return after Russia ordeal
1 year, 7 months ago

‘Day of joy’ as Griner makes WNBA return after Russia ordeal

Al Jazeera  

Brittney Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in a high-profile prisoner exchange with the US late last year. Griner, who was released by Russia as part of a prisoner swap last year, made her first appearance in a WNBA game in 579 days on Friday evening as the Phoenix Mercury faced the Los Angeles Sparks in a season …

Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury set to tip off WNBA season after her return from detainment in Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury set to tip off WNBA season after her return from detainment in Russia

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner’s life and career path have taken a sharp turn over the past 18 months following a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia on drug-related charges that ended with a prisoner swap in December. “This is a person who has been off for more than a year and she’s been battling really hard, and I thought she did some really …

Griner, Mercury set to tip off WNBA season after her return from detainment in Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

Griner, Mercury set to tip off WNBA season after her return from detainment in Russia

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Brittney Griner’s life and career path have taken a sharp turn over the past 18 months following a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia on drug-related charges that ended with a prisoner swap in December. “This is a person who has been off for more than a year and she’s been battling really hard, and I thought she did …

Brittney Griner plays first WNBA pre-season game since detainment in Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner plays first WNBA pre-season game since detainment in Russia

Firstpost  

Griner returned to game action for the first time since a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia on drug-related charges ended with a prisoner swap Phoenix: Brittney Griner strolled down the sideline about 1 1/2 hours before the Phoenix Mercury played Friday night, giving hugs and high-fiving her teammates, coaches and opposing players. “I’m not going to take a day for …

Brittney Griner Returns To Court In First WNBA Action Since Russian Detainment
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner Returns To Court In First WNBA Action Since Russian Detainment

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING PHOENIX — Brittney Griner strolled down the sideline about 1 1/2 hours before the Phoenix Mercury played Friday night, giving hugs and high-fiving her teammates, coaches and opposing players. “I’m not going to take a day for granted.” Griner returned to game action for the first time since a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia on drug-related charges …

Brittney Griner re-signs with Phoenix Mercury
1 year, 10 months ago

Brittney Griner re-signs with Phoenix Mercury

Associated Press  

Brittney Griner will be back in the WNBA this season, once again playing with the Phoenix Mercury. “We missed BG every day that she was gone and, while basketball was not our primary concern, her presence on the floor, in our locker room, around our organization, and within our community was greatly missed,” Mercury GM Jim Pitman said. “I do …

Brittney Griner is back in WNBA: She re-signs with Mercury
1 year, 10 months ago

Brittney Griner is back in WNBA: She re-signs with Mercury

LA Times  

It’s official: Brittney Griner will resume her WNBA career after re-signing with the Phoenix Mercury. “We missed BG every day that she was gone and, while basketball was not our primary concern, her presence on the floor, in our locker room, around our organization, and within our community was greatly missed,“ Mercury general manager Jim Pitman said in a statement …

Brittney Griner says she will return to playing basketball
2 years ago

Brittney Griner says she will return to playing basketball

Al Jazeera  

In first remarks since returning to the US, WNBA star thanks all who pushed for her release from Russian prison. United States basketball star Brittney Griner, who was released from detention in Russia last week, has said she will be back on the court with her Women’s National Basketball Association team next season. The two-time Olympic gold medallist also expressed …

WNBA star Brittney Griner a generational talent on the court
2 years ago

WNBA star Brittney Griner a generational talent on the court

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — WNBA star Brittney Griner’s 10-month imprisonment in Russia on drug charges came to an end on Thursday, spreading relief and joy across the sports world and beyond. On the court, Griner was a dominant force in leading Baylor to the 2012 NCAA championship, then went onto stardom as a lanky anchor for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and as …

Brittney Griner a generational talent on the court
2 years ago

Brittney Griner a generational talent on the court

The Hindu  

WNBA star Brittney Griner’s 10-month imprisonment in Russia on drug charges came to an end on Thursday, spreading relief and joy across the sports world and beyond. On the court, Griner was a dominant force in leading Baylor to the 2012 NCAA championship, then went onto stardom as a lanky anchor for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and as a two-time …

Brittney Griner, an absence felt across the sport: Our WNBA Person of the Year
2 years ago

Brittney Griner, an absence felt across the sport: Our WNBA Person of the Year

New York Times  

In December, The Athletic will be highlighting the coaches, athletes and other figures who made the biggest impact in the U.S. sports we cover, as well as in the fields of sports business, media and culture. Griner’s absence was the biggest story of the year, making her The Athletic’s WNBA Person of the Year. GO DEEPER Timeline of Brittney Griner's …

Brittney Griner recognised with WNBA moment of silence
2 years, 4 months ago

Brittney Griner recognised with WNBA moment of silence

The Hindu  

Following Brittney Griner’s sentencing in Russia to nine years in prison on Thursday, WNBA players, coaches and fans locked arms and tried to send the American basketball star strength during a moment of silence. “Nobody wanted to even play today,” said Phoenix guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, who scored 16 points to lead the Mercury. “I mean, it’s like you’re waiting for …

WNBA players honor Brittney Griner at All-Star game
2 years, 5 months ago

WNBA players honor Brittney Griner at All-Star game

CBS News  

A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and the rest of the WNBA All-Stars lined up along the sideline after halftime, the No. Brittney Griner was everywhere Sunday, everywhere except where the league's best players felt she should be: playing in the marquee WNBA All-Star Game, in which Team Wilson pulled away from Team Stewart for a 134-112 victory. Cherelle Griner, wife of …

Brittney Griner is the focus of WNBA All-Star weekend
2 years, 5 months ago

Brittney Griner is the focus of WNBA All-Star weekend

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Sue Bird and Sylvia Fowles are playing in the WNBA All-Star Game for the last time. “I think for all of us, we just want to always keep BG’s name at the forefront in everything we do,” Bird said. Bird said she didn’t get any “personal time” with President Joe Biden, but she said Rapinoe “has taken the …

Brittney Griner chosen as honorary WNBA All-Star starter
2 years, 6 months ago

Brittney Griner chosen as honorary WNBA All-Star starter

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Brittney Griner will have a place at the WNBA All-Star Game, being named an honorary starter Wednesday by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. So, it is only fitting that she be named as an honorary starter today and we continue to work on her safe return to the U.S.” The State Department in May designated Griner as wrongfully detained, …

WNBA names Brittney Griner as honorary All-Star starter
2 years, 6 months ago

WNBA names Brittney Griner as honorary All-Star starter

Al Jazeera  

Russian state-run news agency Tass reported that Griner’s detention was extended until at least July 2. Brittney Griner, the US basketball star detained in Russia for months, will have a place at the Women’s National Basketball Association’s All-Star Game as an honorary starter. So, it is only fitting that she be named as an honorary starter today and we continue …

WNBA to honor Brittney Griner with league-wide floor decals
2 years, 7 months ago

WNBA to honor Brittney Griner with league-wide floor decals

Associated Press  

The WNBA will honor Phoenix star Brittney Griner with a floor decal and allow the Mercury to pay her without it counting against the team’s salary cap, the league announced Tuesday. “We continue to work on bringing Brittney home and are appreciative of the support the community has shown BG and her family during this extraordinarily challenging time.” The league …

WNBA to honor Brittney Griner with decal on teams’ floors
2 years, 7 months ago

WNBA to honor Brittney Griner with decal on teams’ floors

LA Times  

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner sits during the first half of Game 2 of the WNBA Finals against the Chicago Sky on Oct. 13, 2021, in Phoenix. The WNBA will honor Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner with a floor decal, a person familiar with the decision told the Associated Press on Monday night. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced at the WNBA …

Support for Griner at WNBA draft as Howard goes to Atlanta
2 years, 8 months ago

Support for Griner at WNBA draft as Howard goes to Atlanta

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Moments before Rhyne Howard went to Atlanta with the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the league is working very hard to help bring Brittney Griner back to the United States. “I want to take a moment to reiterate the WNBA’s support for Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner,” Engelbert said before the …

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