After fracturing her toe in the preseason, nine-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner made her season debut for the Phoenix Mercury against the Minnesota Lynx. Griner had been sidelined for the past month but went through return-to-play protocols over the past 7 to 10 days to make her comeback.
Griner’s return wasn’t the only positive news for the Mercury as Rebecca Allen also returned to the floor after missing several weeks due to a concussion. This marked the first time this season that the Mercury would be at full strength. Under the guidance of first-year coach Nate Tibbetts, the team has taken more 3-pointers than any other team in the league, averaging 29.7 attempts per game.
Standing at 6-foot-9, Griner has been a dominant presence in the paint throughout her career, averaging 17.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. Coach Tibbetts sees Griner’s return as crucial to bolstering Phoenix’s interior defense and diversifying their offensive options. He emphasized the importance of utilizing Griner’s strength in the post while also allowing her the freedom to move around the court.
Tibbetts highlighted the need for a balanced offensive approach, incorporating Griner’s capabilities into the existing game plan. He mentioned the importance of spacing the floor and adapting to Griner’s style of play. By allowing Griner to be herself on the court, the Mercury can enhance their offensive versatility and create more scoring opportunities.
With Griner back in the lineup, the Phoenix Mercury are looking to build on their 4-6 record under Coach Tibbetts. As one of the league’s top teams in 3-point attempts, the Mercury will aim to leverage Griner’s presence in the paint to create a more dynamic offensive scheme. Griner’s return signals a turning point for the team, providing them with a valuable asset to strengthen their gameplay moving forward.
Leave a Reply