Months After Suffering a Toe Injury, Brittney Griner Reveals Being Careful About One Move After Win vs LA Sparks

At some point between the Phoenix Mercury’s two preseason games, Brittney Griner fractured her left toe, putting her out of action indefinitely. Thereafter, she made her comeback and started her season earlier this month in a Commissioner’s Cup game against Minnesota. Since then, she has been going steadily in her performance with the team, with fans still waiting for her to start dunking. However, one of the WNBA’s few dunkers is not throwing caution to the wind just cause she is back. Rather, she doesn’t want to sit on the sidelines stuck with another injury.

As a result, after last night’s 92-78 win against the LA Sparks, Griner made it clear why she was not dunking. She said, “The last thing I want to do is aggravate that before it can fix up.” However, she has started dunking while practicing, so it might be around the corner. She doesn’t wish to rush things, though. “I’m ready. I put a couple down in practice, test out the foot, and make sure it’s all good.”

In Friday’s game, she looked calm and unrushed while paying attention to the passes, hence making every shot count. She recorded her first double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds while dishing out 3 assists, a steal and a block. Similarly, her field goal percentage is bringing out her best game at 66.7% with 8-of-12 made shots.

Adding to that, Diana Taurasi contributed 20 points, including 5 smooth 3-point shots, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists. The combination of Natasha Cloud and Kahleah Copper worked wonders for Mercury as well. Moving like an unstoppable force, Copper scored 24 points and 5 rebounds, while Cloud added 14 points, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists in the game. Let’s look at how Griner’s return has helped Phoenix.

Brittney Griner’s return makes a difference

Ever since Brittney Griner returned to the court, Phoenix’s fortunes have changed. Griner has played only seven games, however, she has registered 3 20+ point and 3 10+ point games. Her return has led Mercury to five victories in seven games.

It is important to mention that the Mercury is coming off one of the worst seasons in its history, finishing in last place and losing their 10-season playoff streak. Their next game is against the Indiana Fever tomorrow at the Footprint Center, where the two teams will be facing off each other for the first time this season. All eyes will be on Caitlin Clark and Diana Taurasi after everything that has been said in the press. It is expected to be a feisty affair.

For more such updates, tune into our platform and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video: