Brittney Griner made an emotional return to Phoenix on Wednesday night, playing in her former home arena for the first time since joining the Atlanta Dream. The crowd at Footprint Center greeted her with a standing ovation, and a video tribute honoring her years with the Mercury left her visibly moved. Griner, who spent a decade with the franchise, said seeing familiar faces gave her extra motivation to perform.
That energy showed on the court, as Griner delivered a strong performance with 17 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks, helping lead Atlanta to a 90–79 victory over her former team. The Dream were in sync offensively, with Allisha Gray pouring in 28 points and Jordin Canada and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough adding solid support. Atlanta’s balanced attack and strong ball movement resulted in 25 assists on the night.
The Mercury, led by Kahleah Copper’s 25 points and Natasha Cloud’s 22, struggled to keep pace after a competitive first half. Phoenix was unable to contain Atlanta’s interior scoring or match the Dream’s efficiency from the floor, as the visitors shot over 50% overall.
For Griner, the game marked more than just a win—it was a meaningful return to a city where she built her career. While the venue was familiar, the moment signaled a new chapter as she helps guide a rising Atlanta team forward.
