The Phoenix Mercury are preparing to host the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday, marking a significant reunion as Brittney Griner returns to Phoenix after joining the Dream. This matchup carries considerable weight, as both teams have reshaped their rosters and climbed into the upper ranks of the WNBA standings, with Griner’s move becoming a focal point of this season’s storylines.
Key Offseason Moves Propel Team Success
Griner, a nine-time All-Star who spent 11 seasons with the Mercury, took a free-agent step to the Dream amid substantial changes for both squads. Phoenix currently holds a 15-7 record, securing third place in the league, supported strongly by newcomers Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally. Meanwhile, the Dream stand at 13-10, striving to overcome recent playoff disappointments and push beyond the first round, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2018.
Atlanta Dream’s Push for Playoff Breakthrough
The Dream are fueled by fresh talent including Brionna Jones alongside Griner and holdover guard Allisha Gray. Despite recent struggles—the team has gone 4-6 over their last ten games—they remain hopeful ahead of their visit to Phoenix. Jones expressed confidence in the group’s trajectory, stating,
“What’s most exciting is, we haven’t even reached our ceiling yet,”
and added,
“We’ve shown we can compete with the top of the league.”
—Brionna Jones, Forward
However, the Dream are dealing with injuries, as key guard Rhyne Howard will be sidelined with a left-knee injury, removing one of their leading scorers from the upcoming game. Gray continues to carry a significant scoring load, averaging 18.6 points per game and delivering 24 points in their recent 87-72 loss to the Las Vegas Aces.
Griner’s Evolving Role with the Dream
While Griner’s impact with the Dream has been less dominant compared to her Phoenix years, she is contributing steadily with averages of 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. She posted her first double-double of the season on July 13, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds against the New York Liberty. Reflecting on her performance, Griner admitted,
“I’m a little hard on myself,”
and said,
“I feel like [I] definitely could have been better, but turning around now.”
—Brittney Griner, Center
Mercury’s Depth and Leadership Strengthen Team Prospects
Back in Phoenix, the Mercury resume action following the All-Star break, coming off a tough 79-66 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Lynx on July 16. That loss marked their third in six games after having enjoyed a six-game winning streak. Alyssa Thomas is notable for leading the team in assists with an impressive 9.5 per game while also averaging 15.2 points.
Teammate Natasha Mack praised Thomas for her all-around contributions, saying,
“People gonna stop disrespecting [Thomas] for real,”
and added,
“That’s MVP. You all think MVP is just shooting threes? No, it’s helping your team get better, and she does that every single way.”
—Natasha Mack, Forward
The Mercury have also faced challenges, missing starters Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper in three recent games, though both have now returned to practice. Another significant boost has come with the return of DeWanna Bonner, a franchise favorite who rejoined Phoenix as a free agent on July 8. Bonner brings a history of success to the squad, having helped Phoenix win WNBA titles in her rookie season in 2009 and again in 2014.
Bonner’s Impact Aids Phoenix’s Momentum
Bonner has made an immediate impact since her return, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds during a close 78-77 win against Golden State on July 14, and adding 11 points in her first start of the season against Minnesota. Her presence adds veteran leadership and depth to Phoenix’s lineup as the Mercury aim to maintain their top-tier standing.
Upcoming Game’s Importance and Future Implications
The upcoming showdown carries heightened stakes as Griner faces her former team in Phoenix. Both teams are navigating tight playoff races and look to sharpen their rosters and strategies ahead of the postseason. Phoenix hopes to capitalize on their strong position with contributions from key players returning from absences, while Atlanta aims to leverage their revamped lineup to break their recent playoff drought. This encounter could prove pivotal for momentum heading toward the final stretch of the regular season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Brittney Griner give birth to a child?
A. In July, Griner announced she and her wife had their first child. Talking to CBS Sports before the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the Phoenix Mercury player shared that their baby was born on July 8. “That’s my man,” she said.
Q. Did Brittney Griner give birth to a baby?
A. Brittney Griner, who has won two Olympic gold medals, has officially become a parent with her partner, Cherelle Griner, who is also her lawyer. During a conversation with We Need to Talk, Griner announced the birth of their son. She said, “He’s here. Yes, 7/8/24.”