By Ernest Ricks | MTMV Sports
In an emotional return to the city where her legendary career began, Brittney Griner reminded everyone why she remains one of the most impactful players in WNBA history. Griner, who spent the first 10 seasons of her career with the Phoenix Mercury, delivered a vintage performance on Thursday night—posting 17 points and a team-high 8 rebounds to lead the Atlanta Dream to a 90-79 win. But beyond the stat sheet, it was the moment—stepping onto the court she once called home—that carried the most weight.
“It meant everything, when I looked over and saw D and Penny over there, I think that kinda ignited me a little bit… I said I was going to hold my tears ’til the end but, they got me. They got me a little bit. Something was in the eye,” Griner said postgame.
Her presence in Atlanta has been transformative. More than just a Hall-of-Fame talent, Griner brings a veteran’s poise and a leader’s voice to a young Dream squad. Her ability to mentor rising stars like Rhyne Howard and anchor the team on both ends of the court has been invaluable. For a team building a championship identity, Griner has been both the foundation and the inspiration.
The Atlanta Dream proved once again that they can compete with the WNBA’s elite—regardless of who’s on the floor. Still playing without injured star Rhyne Howard, the Dream delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, defeating the third-ranked Phoenix Mercury by double digits. Just one game removed from a lopsided loss to a lower-ranked team, the Dream bounced back with energy, poise, and precision.
What’s become clear is that Atlanta’s roster is as deep and versatile as any in the league. With Allisha Gray leading the way with 28 points, the Dream matched Phoenix’s All-Star trio of Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and Kahleah Copper with a star-studded group of their own. Allisha Gray (All-Star), Brionna Jones (All-Star), Jordin Canada (former WNBA champion), and Griner (future Hall of Famer) all stepped up, showing that this team isn’t just talented—they’re dangerous. And that’s not even mentioning the “Bench Mob,” with Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Nia Coffey, Te-Hina Paopao, and Sixth Woman of the Year candidate Naz Hillmon. This is a championship-caliber roster, and on Thursday night, they looked the part.
From tipoff, the Dream were locked in. Jordin Canada, who hit the 2,000-point career mark during the game, sparked the offense early alongside Gray and Griner. Atlanta shot an even 50% from the field and dominated the paint, outscoring Phoenix 42-24 inside. Four Dream players finished in double figures: Gray (28), Griner (17), Canada (14), and Walker-Kimbrough (11). Gray’s efficient scoring included 3 three-pointers on 75% shooting from deep, while Canada added 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and a steal to her 14-point outing.
The Dream’s ball movement was crisp—racking up 25 assists to Phoenix’s 18—and their defense set the tone, limiting Copper to just two first-half points thanks to Maya Caldwell’s disruptive play. Every quarter showcased a different burst of dominance: Griner’s early inside presence, Walker-Kimbrough’s bench scoring in the second, Canada’s orchestrating in the third, and Hillmon’s timely buckets in the fourth.
Quarter by quarter, Atlanta built and maintained its lead. After a strong 26-point first quarter, they never looked back. From Griner’s face-up jumper in the second to Canada’s fast-break dime to Hillmon in the third, every player found a way to contribute. In the final period, the Dream put it away with a trio of threes from Gray, Hillmon, and Walker-Kimbrough.
As the buzzer sounded, the story wasn’t just Atlanta’s 90-79 win or their statistical dominance—it was about resilience, growth, and a joyful homecoming. For Brittney Griner, it was a night filled with memories and milestones. For the Dream, it was a statement: this team is built to contend—and they’re only getting better.
Final Score: Atlanta Dream 90, Phoenix Mercury 79
Next Up: The Dream look to build momentum as they return home to continue their playoff push.
Feature Image Credit – (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
