Brittney Griner, a nine-time WNBA All-Star, is navigating her first season with the Atlanta Dream after 11 successful years with the Phoenix Mercury. During her time in Phoenix, Griner secured a WNBA championship in 2014 and earned two Defensive Player of the Year awards. Known for her dominance, she started all 315 regular-season games and 47 postseason contests throughout her Mercury tenure. Now with Atlanta, Griner is embracing a new role following a recent neck injury that sidelined her for three games.
In a strategic move to manage her recovery and playing time, Griner came off the bench for the first time in her professional career during Atlanta’s 74-66 victory over her former team, the Mercury. Since returning from injury, she has continued in a reserve role for the Dream’s last two games, averaging 7.7 points and seeing just over 15 minutes of playing time per contest. Despite limited minutes, Griner made a significant impact, ranking second in field goals made against the Seattle Storm with five of eight shots.
Potential Return to Starting Lineup Against Golden State Valkyries
The Atlanta Dream is now considering whether to reinstate Brittney Griner as a starter in their upcoming game versus the Golden State Valkyries. The Valkyries, holding an impressive 18-15 record and riding a four-game winning streak, have been a surprising contender in their debut WNBA season, largely due to their strength in rebounding. Golden State ranks fourth in the league with an average of 35.7 rebounds per game, while Atlanta, powered in part by Griner’s 5.4 rebounds per match, leads the WNBA with 36.5 rebounds per game.
To counter Golden State’s rebounding prowess and maintain their defensive edge, Atlanta may find it beneficial to have Griner start despite potential minutes limits. The 34-year-old center, who has averaged 10.0 points and four rebounds against the Valkyries this season on 54.5% shooting, could provide a vital boost to set the tone early in the game. As the Dream pursue the No. 2 seed, the decision to reinsert Griner into the starting five is gaining momentum.
Implications for the Dream’s Playoff Push and Griner’s Role
The choice to move Brittney Griner back into the starting lineup signifies more than an on-court adjustment; it reflects Atlanta’s intent to maximize her impact during critical moments. Her defensive presence and rebounding ability could be instrumental in slowing down a surging Valkyries squad. This decision may also signal Atlanta’s broader strategy to balance Griner’s recovery with effective lineup configurations as they aim to solidify their playoff positioning.
With the Dream carefully managing Griner’s minutes and health, the upcoming game against Golden State will provide an important test of her readiness and the team’s tactical approach. The move to either maintain her as a key bench contributor or restore her to the starting role will likely influence Atlanta’s competitive form as the postseason approaches.