
via Reuters
Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who was detained in Russia, holds a news conference ahead of return to court with Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., April 27, 2023. REUTERS/Caitlin O’Hara

via Reuters
Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who was detained in Russia, holds a news conference ahead of return to court with Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., April 27, 2023. REUTERS/Caitlin O’Hara
Phoenix Mercury superstar Brittney Griner made an impressive comeback at the WNBA All-Star Game! It was her first time back since her release from a Russian penal colony last December. And wow, did she shine! The 9x All-Star scored 18 points, dunked twice, and helped lead Team Stewart to a sweet revenge win of 143-127 against Team Wilson.
In the post-game interview, she revealed her inspiration for the comeback to the WNBA. She even joked about what went through her head before dunking twice in the game.
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Brittney Griner’s comeback was as good as one expected
Three weeks after the eye-opening WNBA revelations and hitting “Rock Bottom” admission, Griner played in her first all-star game since her return. During the post-game interview, the reporter asked the Phoenix Mercury Center about the support she received from her team and the entire WNBA community.
She conveyed her gratitude and how their support and encouragement gave her the strength and drive to carry on. “It meant everything to me. I didn’t think I would be here today honestly, but everybody sending letters, sending love, posting, and I’m still seeing it until this day. Everything that everybody did, it really meant a lot to me. It gave me hope. It made me not want just to give it up or anything. So, it was this league that helped me out,” Griner said.
When asked about her amazing dunk in the game, Brittney joked she had given her knees a pep talk before pulling off the dunk.
She pulled off the dunk despite the pressure, much to the joy of her admirers. “As for the dunk, there was definitely some pressure, but I called my knees and gave them a little pep talk. We got it up there, so I’m good!” She humorously added.
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Team Stewart triumphs over Team Wilson
Team Stewart, headed by Breanna Stewart, competed against Team Wilson, led by A’ja Wilson, in this year’s WNBA All-Star Game. Unlike in Chicago last year, where team Wilson triumphed.

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
Jewell Loyd of the Seattle Storm earned the game’s MVP title with a game-high 31 points and an incredible 10 three-pointers.? She helped Team Stewart win by contributing six assists, four rebounds, and four steals. She exceeded the previous mark of 30 points, held by Maya Moore and Kelsey Plum, the MVP of the previous All-Star Game, with her amazing effort.
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