Brittney Griner gets emotional welcome at first home game back in Phoenix

For the first time in nearly 600 days, Brittney Griner is playing basketball in front of a home crowd again. The Phoenix Mercury and WNBA star received an emotional welcome from fans as she was introduced ahead of Sunday’s game.

Griner returned to the Footprint Center on Sunday as the Mercury prepared for a game against the Chicago Sky. As she was introduced, the arena played the song, I’m Coming Home as she ran onto the floor.

Fans could be seen sporting signs that read, “Welcome home, BG!” The star basketball player also received a standing ovation when she took the court.

Brittney Griner gets an emotional welcome from the Phoenix Mercury crowd for her first home game in 585 days 👏 pic.twitter.com/jBaD7Kgoca

— On3 Pro (@On3ProSports) May 21, 2023

Griner was detained in Russia on drug-related charges for 10 months. After receiving a nine-year prison sentence after a guilty verdict, the U.S. government worked diligently to bring her back to American soil.

In December, before the holiday season, the United States and Russia agreed to a one-for-one prisoner exchange to bring Griner home.

Despite her lengthy detainment, Griner said she wanted to return to the hardwood. It didn’t take her long to get back on the floor, suiting up for the Mercury to begin the 2023 season.

The past 18 months have been a challenge for Griner, without question. But she’s finally back to playing in front of a home crowd this weekend.

Griner appears in first WNBA game since 2021

Before her return to Phoenix on Sunday, Griner stepped back onto the floor in a regular season WNBA game for the first time since 2021. It came in Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Griner didn’t miss a beat in her return. She scored 18 points on seven-of-nine shooting in 25 minutes of action. She also collected six rebounds and dished out two assists in her first contest in two seasons.

Not a bad outing after missing the entire 2022 season.

Unfortunately for Griner and the Mercury, it didn’t translate to team success. The Sparks cruised to a 94-71 win over the Mercury.

Still, it was nice to see Griner back in old form.

Griner has spent her entire WNBA career in Phoenix. She’s earned eight All-Star selections, has led the league in scoring twice and blocked shots eight times during her career. She also helped lead the Mercury to a WNBA title in 2014.

Sunday’s game against Chicago is part of a three-game home stand for the Mercury. Phoenix also hosts the Minnesota Lynx and the Sparks before hitting the road to play the Dallas Wings.