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Brittney Griner strolled down the sideline about 1 1/2 hours before the Phoenix Mercury played Friday night, giving hugs and high-fiving her teammates, coaches and opposing players.
Then it was a little stretch- ing, a little shooting and a little agility work to prepare for a basketball game.
Just like old times.
“I’m grateful to be here, that’s for sure,” Griner said. “I’m not going to take a day for granted.”
Griner returned to game action for the first time since a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia on drug-related charges ended with a prisoner swap in December. The seven-time All-Star, who missed the entire 2022 season because of the detainment, finished with 10 points and three rebounds in a WNBA preseason game against the Los Angeles Sparks.
The 6-foot-9 Griner looked good, especially considering the long layoff, casually throwing down a one-handed dunk during warm ups. She stood with her teammates while the national anthem was played and received a loud ovation from the home crowd when she was introduced before tipoff.
