Furious Brittney Griner Held Back from Referee on Diana Taurasi’s Record-Breaking Night

The Seattle Storm faced off against the Phoenix Mercury in another heated battle on Sunday. Unlike Skylar Diggins-Smith’s first game against her former team where she got a bloody lip, however, Brittney Griner made the headlines this time. The 6-ft-9 picked up a technical despite her team in a comfortable position. While the Phoenix Mercury won 87-78 over the Storm, the misdemeanor caught more fire than Diana Taurasi’s record-breaking night.

The Mercury were heading towards a sweeping win without any physical fights breaking out. However, with 6:48 minutes left in the game, Brittney Griner lightly shoved Seattle’s Nneka Ogwumike as she was trying to get into the post. But the referee blew the whistle as a stuck Griner tried to push away Ogwumike behind her, and Ezi Magbegor in front of her.

Phoenix’s towering center did not like the call and went all out at the referee as Nate Tibbett tried to hold her back. Consequently, Jewel Lloyd, who is going 87.5% from the stripe, got to shoot one technical free throw. She eventually missed the chance to add one more point to her 14 points for the game.

In the game, Brittney Griner grabbed 28 points and 9 rebounds. This marks the first time since the 2021 season where she had back-to-back 25+ points outings. At the same time, Diana Taurasi too bagged a record. With the win against the visiting Seattle Storm today, the Phoenix GOAT now has 300 career wins. She now trails Lindsay Whalen (323) and Sue Bird (333) in terms of wins. Let us look at how Phoenix Mercury avenged their last defeat over Noelle Quinn’s Storm.

Brittney Griner lifts a hefty weight in the Mercury’s win

The Baylor alumna who worked wonders under Kim Mulkey has only played four games so far this season. However, she already has a great average of 20 points and 7.3 rebounds. Adding more feathers to her hat is her stat line for the night. Apart from the 28 points and 9 boards, she also stole once, blocked two shots, and delivered an assist to Kahleah Copper for a 25-foot three. Also, Brittney Griner went 66.66% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc.

Except for her, Kahleah Copper, the latest addition to the well-seasoned team, also gave a dazzling performance. She had 30 points and 6 rebounds today. Diana Taurasi closed her account with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Off the bench, only Natasha Mack added to the team’s total with 6 points and 3 rebounds in 9 minutes of total floor time.

The Phoenix Mercury (3rd in the Western Conference) climbed a spot up as they got past the reigning champions Las Vegas Aces in the conference standings. Next, Brittney Griner and Co. will host this year’s Commissioner’s Cup finalists in New York Liberty. It will be another interesting matchup as two veteran teams lock horns with the Mercury, trying to avenge their previous defeat.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.