![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-05-20T043147Z_1486390761_MT1USATODAY20707852_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-PHOENIX-MERCURY-AT-LOS-ANGELES-SPARKS.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
May 19, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) is defended by Los Angeles Sparks forward Joyner Holmes (24) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-05-20T043147Z_1486390761_MT1USATODAY20707852_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-PHOENIX-MERCURY-AT-LOS-ANGELES-SPARKS.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
May 19, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) is defended by Los Angeles Sparks forward Joyner Holmes (24) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Brittney Griner is coming off as a superstar after enduring a traumatic experience. Her recent complicated past kept her from the basketball court for several months. During her time in Russia, the WNBA showed unwavering support for Griner by prominently featuring her initials and jersey number, 42, on every court. Additionally, she was honored as an honorary starter at the previous year’s All-Star Game. This season, Griner overcame her challenges and secured a starting position by delivering impressive performances for the Phoenix Mercury, averaging 19.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocked shots.
In the roster for the WNBA all-star event this week, Griner played for Team Stewart. After a powerful and emotional comeback, BG marked her return by making an impression in front of the sellout crowd. However, one of her dunks, which the WNBA posted across their social media channels, garnered overwhelming criticism.
Brittney Griner records a triumphant return to All-Star games
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
There was no denying that Griner’s presence stole the spotlight inadvertently. Breanna Stewart selected the center as her first overall pick in the All-Star draft. In response, she began the fireworks by scoring the first 6 points for her team. The WNBA world hoped to see one of Griner’s rare dunks in the all-star, and she delivered exactly that.
BG IS BACKKKK 🔨
Brittney Griner with the early slam on ABC! | @ATT #WNBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/2IFGgLMGPh
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 16, 2023
Griner helped Stewart’s team to propel over Team Wilson to hand A’ja Wilson her first All-Star loss. The 32-year-old contributed significantly to her team’s win, recording 18 points and 13 rebounds in the game.
The viewership for the WNBA has seen a significant increase this year, which is estimated to be a rise of 67% compared to last year. Many pick Griner as the decisive reason after her earlier troubles in foreign land put her in the spotlight.
While Griner did an admirable job in her team’s victory, many fans were left disapproving of her dunk.
Read More: Ugly Brittney Griner Incident Resulting in Physical Altercation Forces Massive Change for WNBA
Fans criticize Brittney Griner’s All-Star slam
Even though the on-court crowd and athletes loved Griner’s comeback dunk, fans on social media did not hesitate to criticize the two-time Olympic gold medalist.
With a travel! 🧐🧐🧐
— Norma Garza (@n_mjspng) July 16, 2023
I mean this is just a traveling highlight
— nick (@Nickboone5) July 16, 2023
Travel from Russia back to America
— ontwerp.eth 🧙🏽♂️ (@ontwerpy) July 16, 2023
According to fans, Brittney’s dunk was a ‘travel’ and felt too slow-going. Some supporters did mention how her dunk was a valid move, but the debate is still ongoing.
For the haters. No travel pic.twitter.com/EHFXiGpVri
— Aaron SpiveySorrells (@aaronss101) July 16, 2023
Another fan displayed a similar sentiment on the dunk. The fan sarcastically compared Griner’s dunk to the ones in the NBA.
Bro Curry can dunk better than that, and he can barely dunk 😂
— Joshua Fontanilla (@joshfontanilla) July 16, 2023
— popcrnshower (@popcrnshower) July 16, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Likewise, WNBA’s Instagram post was filled with critics all over. Like the majority, one fan was left disappointed with the league’s Griner post. “We gotta quit hyping up these weak dunks,” the user wrote, which was echoed by many in the comments section.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Regardless of what people think of the dunk, Griner has come from a lot recently. Last year, despite her caliber to make it to the all-star game, she was not only detained from the game but also from her home. To come this far and represent herself on the highest stage in Women’s basketball is a true testament to her will and mental toughness.
Watch This Story | “RIDICULOUS!”: As 25yr Old WNBA Star Obliterates Stephen Curry and Tyrese Haliburton’s Record, Warriors Superstar Responds