After Worrying Injury Exit, Disappointed Brittney Griner Reflects on ?Half Hearted? Playoff Charge

The WNBA Playoffs are right around the corner. And things aren’t looking good for the Phoenix Mercury. Injuries have plagued the Phoenix Mercury this season, preventing them from being a contender for a WNBA championship this year. Furthermore, things haven’t been easy for key player, Brittney Griner since her detainment in Russia. Most recently, Brittney Griner sat down with the media, following her latest game that saw her leave early following a worrying injury.

Brittney Griner reflects on her frustrating season

The star player of the Phoenix Mercury, Brittney Griner, added to the number of injuries that have dogged this season during a crucial game on Friday night. A tenacious double-team defense from the Las Vegas Aces thwarted Griner’s drive to the basket as she attempted it. She slipped and fell awkwardly, her left ankle twisting terribly because of her fall. Griner appeared visibly in pain after the fall, and she struggled to get on her feet. However, she eventually managed to rise up and limp to the bench, where the team’s medical staff was waiting for her.

Griner didn’t return to play following her injury. However, following the game, she sat down with the media where she reflected on the disappointing season.

“Not happy with my performance overall this season, no matter what happened or whatever I went through. Not happy with it. You know next year.. I would definitely say would be different. Unique situation now that I no longer go overseas now. So I actually get to take a chance to actually work on my game.” Brittney continued to state that she no longer has to worry about what her overseas team expects of her. Instead, she can work on improving her game for the upcoming seasons for Phoenix.

She continued, “Going into the season, I was just trying to make it through. I didn’t know what was gonna happen, how it was gonna be, triggers, my body. So I’m just happy to be here. Griner also expressed that she is proud of her teammates. Despite everything that went down last year, she remains optimistic about the upcoming season.

Brittney Griner had a trying year

Brittney Griner was detained in Russia in February 2022 for possessing vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil. Even though she admitted guilt in July, her trial went on because in Russia, admitting guilt does not automatically end a case. She also admitted that he inadvertently packed the cannabis oil, a prescription for pain relief. Griner received a nine-year prison term in August. According to ESPN, The U.S. State Department declared Griner to be ?wrongfully detained?. Unfortunately, Russia sharply dismissed this charge.

Following a political uproar about her ‘wrongful detention’, Griner returned home in December through a risky diplomatic trade involving notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout. Following her return, she signed with the Phoenix, expressing her desire to play again. However, many concerns, including travel difficulties and plaguing injuries Griner’s comeback to the WNBA. Despite this, she continued to play through it all.

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The Phoenix Mercury had a tough season and didn’t make the playoffs for the first time in her ten seasons. Nevertheless, Griner received a warm welcome back into the country and in every arena she has stepped into. Hopefully, things will get better for the 32-year-old player in the upcoming off-season. What are your thoughts on Brittney Griner? Let us know in the comment below!

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