“I get to show them something different.” Brittney Griner has never just played in the paint—she’s owned it. A force above the rim, a presence no defender can ignore. But sometimes, it only takes one moment to remind the world exactly who she is. That moment came in an Unrivaled matchup when Griner soared for the league’s first-ever dunk—an exclamation point in midair, a message for those left grounded. As the clip spread across social media, one franchise couldn’t ignore the sting: the Phoenix Mercury, watching from a distance as their former star made history once again.

According to a post on X by Basketball Scout, “BRITTNEY GRINER DUNKKKK,” the highlight-reel moment came during Phantom BC’s game against the Lunar Owls. Though Phantom BC fell 79-92, Griner put on a show with 19 points, seven rebounds, and an efficient 8-for-11 shooting performance in just 18 minutes. She finished second in scoring only to Satou Sabally and Natisha Hiedeman, proving that even at 34, her game remains elite.

Meanwhile, her unofficial replacement in Phoenix, Alyssa Thomas, has been steady but far less electrifying. In her most recent game, Thomas recorded a respectable double-double, scoring 12 points, grabbing 16 rebounds, and dishing out eight assists for Laces in a matchup against Angel Reese’s Rose BC. However, despite her well-rounded play, the numbers speak for themselves: Griner’s offensive firepower outshined Thomas, and the dunk only added salt to the wound for Mercury fans.

Head-to-head statistics further reinforce this contrast. According to Stathead.com, Griner has consistently outperformed Thomas in key metrics. Griner boasts career averages of 17.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game with a .562 field goal percentage and 3-point percentage of .364. In comparison, Thomas averages 12.2 points and 7.5 rebounds with a .483 field goal percentage. The honors tell a similar story: Griner has six All-WNBA selections, seven All-Star appearances, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards, while Thomas has yet to reach those heights.

And the gap keeps growing. Griner isn’t just scoring—she’s doing it at a blistering pace, averaging 16.9 points in just 16.4 minutes per game, along with 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. Meanwhile, Alyssa Thomas sits at No. 15, logging more minutes (18.4) but producing less offensively at 13.7 points per game, though her 11.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists highlight her all-around play. But when it comes to sheer impact, Griner is making every second count. Even the ones she spends in mid air

Griner’s historic slam might be Mercury’s biggest what-if

At first, Griner’s dunk felt like just another play—until Lisa Leslie put it into perspective. The first dunk in Unrivaled history. The moment instantly grew in magnitude, with Leslie—who knows a thing or two about historic slams (being the first woman to dunk in the WNBA) —acknowledging its significance: “The dunk was outstanding, and it’s historic. And I obviously know what it’s like to have a historic dunk… Just talk about what is a historic moment to be the first to dunk in Unrivaled,” Leslie said, per an X post from USA Today’s Safid Deen.

“I mean, it is. Definitely, when I sit down and think about it, it definitely is [historic],” Griner responded. “I’ll be able to hold that. Got to do it with you here, as well, so that was pretty cool too… that’s pretty cool. And [my son] is here too, so that kind of lines up.”

It was about time.

Holding the record for the most career dunks in women’s college basketball history at 18 and then 27 in WNBA, it was only a matter of time Unrivaled witnessed one too. Leslie, now a commentator for Unrivaled, made it clear just how much Griner’s presence means to the league:

To which Leslie responded with a, “And just know we are so happy to have you here at Unrivaled, and see you playing. And you’re not just back. You’re back, and better, and you just warm our hearts. Even though we don’t get a chance to say it to you enough, it’s just great to see you be able to finish out your career.”

For the Phoenix Mercury, watching Griner thrive elsewhere is a bitter pill to swallow. Her impact remains undeniable, and her latest feat serves as another reminder of what they lost. As Griner continues to add to her legacy, the Mercury are left wondering if they truly found a replacement—or just a shadow of what once was.