A clinical display at home means that the Phoenix Mercury strengthens their playoff chances this season. On the back of impactful performances by Diana Taurasi and Kahleah Copper, the hosts were easily able to brush aside visiting LA Sparks 98-72 at the Footprint Center. However, the 14,363 in attendance also saw a phenomenal double-double by the team’s experienced center Brittney Griner. Following this, she is at the receiving end of some very high praise from not only the fans but also from the team management as well. Still, the one acknowledgment that matters the most for her is from her wife Cherelle T. Griner.

As soon as the game ended in Mercury’s favor, the Attorney, Speaker, and Educator posted a series of stories on her official Instagram account. Two of those featured clips of Griner slaying it on the court. The first one is a video from the opening quarter itself where through an assist from Diana Taurasi, the dynamic No.42 was able to score a 2-foot layup. The official page of the franchise had earlier shared the reel. She capped off her emotions with a few clapping hands emojis.

Soon after, she went on to add another story which was posted by the WNBA. Here the post has a segment of Griner’s brilliance after half-time. Seemingly, with just 6:33 left in the third quarter, the 2× WNBA scoring champion successfully connects a driving layup. To express how she felt after seeing it, Cherelle attached a 🔥 and a 😮‍💨 emoji.

Such was the exhibition put up by Griner as she ended up being the third-best performer of the night.

Brittney Griner plays her part

As it turns out, Brittney Griner was entrusted with the same amount of time by Nate Tibbets as veteran Diana Taurasi. And she didn’t disappoint. In an impressive second-half comeback, she registered 18 points and 11 rebounds to go along with 3 assists next to her name. In addition to this, she was 8 of 12 in her field goals and converted 40% of her shots from the free throw line.

USA Today via Reuters

Still, there were questions directed toward her on one particular aspect. Apparently, the media wanted to know why she was resisting herself from dunking. To which she responded, “I’m ready. I put a couple down in practice, test out the foot, and make sure it’s all good. The last thing I want to do is aggravate that before it can fix up.” 

Evidently, during the Mercury’s training camps before the start of the season, Griner suffered from a fractured toe in her left foot. This forced her to sit on the sidelines for the start of the season.

The fans are glad to see Phoenix firing on all cylinders against the Sparks. As a result, they now have the needed momentum to face Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. What will transpire the next time they step on the hardwood? Only time will tell.