Griner honored in Phoenix return as Dream triumph
Phoenix, AZ — July 24, 2025
Brittney Griner returned to the city where she spent 11 seasons—and was met with a standing ovation and heartfelt tribute—before guiding her new team, the Atlanta Dream, to a 90–79 victory over her former team, the Phoenix Mercury.
A Night of Tribute
Before tip-off, the Mercury paused to honor Griner. The arena lights dimmed as a memorable video montage celebrated her career. Fans rose for a sustained, emotional standing ovation as Griner exited the tunnel to immense cheers .
Griner responded with a performance to match the sentiment: 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting and a team-high eight rebounds .
Dream Show Strength
The Dream played a balanced game, shooting 50.7% overall and nailing 10-of-24 threes . Allisha Gray led the charge with 28 points, contributing also seven rebounds and six assists. Jordin Canada (14 points) and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (11) helped maintain offensive pressure .
Atlanta dominated in the paint (42–24) and shared the ball well, dishing out 25 assists on 34 field goals . A 16-point lead in the fourth quarter highlighted their control; Phoenix briefly closed the gap but never regained momentum .
Nostalgia vs. Resolution
For Phoenix, DeWanna Bonner scored 18 points, Satou Sabally logged 13 upon her return, and Alyssa Thomas nearly had a triple-double (7 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists) . But the late push fell short, and their three‑of‑four win streak ended .
Legacy vs. New Beginnings
Griner, a franchise icon in Phoenix—nine-time All-Star, 2014 champion—received a tribute befitting her legacy. Yet, it’s clear her chapter in Atlanta is just beginning . After 11 seasons and multiple accolades in Phoenix, she now brings veteran leadership and dominance to a Dream team hungry for success .
What’s Next for Griner & Dream
Phoenix enters a new era without its long-time centerpiece, looking to gals like Thomas and Sabally for direction. Meanwhile, Atlanta, buoyed by this statement win and its league‑leading rebounding, gains confidence and momentum.
For Griner, this night was more than a game. It was a bridge between her cherished history and a futu
re filled with possibilities.