Brittney Griner’s Triumphant Return to Phoenix
On a memorable Wednesday evening, the Atlanta Dream visited the Footprint Center and emerged victorious over the Phoenix Mercury with a score of 90-79. The night was particularly special for Brittney Griner, who marked her return to Phoenix, where she previously shined for 11 seasons. Griner, a nine-time All-Star and the catalyst of the Mercury’s 2014 WNBA title run, was celebrated with a touching video tribute before the matchup, which moved the crowd to a prolonged standing ovation.
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Griner didn’t just bask in the applause; she contributed significantly to the Dream’s success, scoring 17 points and leading her team with eight rebounds. Her performance was efficient, shooting 8-for-12 from the field, and she was tantalizingly close to a double-double, missing it by just two rebounds.
Stellar Performances Elevate the Dream
Allisha Gray was the standout performer, leading the scoring with 28 points, including hitting three out of the Dream’s total 10 three-pointers. Gray also contributed broadly across the board with seven rebounds and six assists, playing a crucial role in both the offensive and defensive plays. Jordin Canada and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough also made notable contributions with 14 and 11 points, respectively. Canada added six assists, while Walker-Kimbrough was pivotal from long range, sinking three 3-pointers.
The team’s overall shooting accuracy was impressive, with a 50.7 percent success rate from the field, demonstrating their preparedness and focus.
Mercury’s Efforts and Strategic Shifts
Despite the loss, several players from the Mercury put up a valiant effort. DeWanna Bonner led her team with 18 points, followed by Satou Sabally with 13 points. Alyssa Thomas had a challenging start, failing to score in the first half, but ended the game with seven points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, nearly achieving a triple-double.
Phoenix also saw the return of key players from injuries, which impacted their lineup. Kahleah Copper, back from an injury, contributed 10 points, and Natasha Mack added a season-high eight points coming off the bench. Their efforts helped Phoenix to accumulate 35 bench points. This game marked a shift with Bonner not starting, a strategic move with Sabally’s return.
Game Dynamics and Team Statistics
The Dream set the pace early in the game, capturing a lead with Canada’s three-pointer at the three-minute mark and maintaining control throughout. They managed their largest lead of 16 points midway through the final quarter. Although Bonner scored six consecutive points to narrow the gap, Gray’s timely three-pointer widened the lead again, securing the win for Atlanta.
Atlanta showcased their dominance in rebounding, a key strength for the team this season, with a 36-32 advantage over Phoenix. They also outperformed in points in the paint, doubling the Mercury’s tally with 42 points. Additionally, the Dream’s teamwork was evident in their distribution, with 25 assists on 34 field goals, reflecting a well-coordinated offensive strategy.
The win provided a much-needed boost for the Dream, who had been struggling with recent losses, while the Mercury had been gaining some momentum with three wins in their last four games before this encounter.
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Trent Mallory is a passionate sports journalist who dives deep into major competitions and the stories behind every game. From American football and the NBA to tennis and the Olympics, he delivers sharp, energetic coverage. His work brings matches, athletes, and behind-the-scenes challenges to life. For Trent, sports are more than just results — they are culture, passion, and a force for change.
