The Atlanta Dream secured their second victory of the 2025 WNBA season on Saturday, defeating the Dallas Wings 83-75 in a tightly contested matchup. Despite trailing 48-40 at halftime, Dream center Brittney Griner‘s 15 points and 8 rebounds were key to their win, although she expressed frustration with officiating during the first half.

As Griner prepared for a halftime interview with sideline reporter Autumn Johnson, she suddenly walked away from the broadcast to confront the referees, urging them to “be f*cking better.” The exact details of her comments remain unclear, but the ending phrase was audible. After addressing the officials, Griner apologized to Johnson and the on-air team, saying, “Sorry, y’all.”

Griner’s Journey and Current Challenges

This season marks Griner’s first with the Atlanta Dream after spending her entire career with the Phoenix Mercury. Her tenure with Phoenix was interrupted in 2022 by a detainment and arrest in Russia over smuggling allegations involving traces of hash oil, before her release and return to the United States later that year. Griner’s presence in Atlanta brings a highly decorated veteran to the team, as she is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and a ten-time WNBA All-Star.

In addition to her halftime outburst, Griner has been the subject of recent criticism for remarks she made concerning Caitlin Clark during the Dream’s game against the Indiana Fever on Thursday, adding to the scrutiny she is facing this season.

Implications for the Dream and Griner’s Role Going Forward

Griner’s candid halftime interaction with referees highlights her competitive intensity and unwillingness to shy away from confronting perceived injustices on the court. Her outspoken nature may bring additional media attention, but it also reflects her leadership role in Atlanta as the Dream aim to improve their performance after a slow start to the season. How Griner manages her frustrations and public presence could influence team dynamics and fan perceptions moving forward.