Lucas Peltier/USA Today Network/Reuters
Brittney Griner enters the stage during the player introductions before the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.
CNN
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Phoenix Mercury superstar Brittney Griner marked a successful return to the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday, her first since being released from a Russian penal colony last December.
Nine-time WNBA All-Star Griner finished with 18 points, including her team’s first six points and two dunks, in Team Stewart’s vengeful 143-127 victory over Team Wilson in the 2023 All-Star Game in Las Vegas .
“It meant everything to me,” Griner told a packed house after the game. “Honestly, I didn’t think I would be here today, but everyone is sending letters, sending love, posting messages. I still see today everything that everyone did. It really meant a lot to me, it gave me hope, it didn’t make me want to give up on anything, so it was this league that helped me.
Griner’s arrest last year in Russia triggered a diplomatic drama between the United States and the Kremlin, which played out alongside Russia’s war in Ukraine. Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison in early August and transferred to a penal colony before being released in a prisoner exchange in December.
“I love being here, I love competing, I love doing everything for the fans. They do everything for us. We wouldn’t be here without them,” Griner said. “I’m just honored to be on this field.”
Team Stewart was led by Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, who finished with nine points and nine assists, while Team Wilson was led by reigning league MVP A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces . Wilson finished with 20 points in the loss.
Wilson’s team beat the Stewart-led team in last year’s All-Star Game in Chicago.
Top scorer in the WNBA this season, Seattle Storm’s Jewell Loydearned MVP honors after scoring an All-Star Game record 31 points and 10 three-pointers for Team Stewart, while adding four rebounds and six assists in the victory.
The “Gold Mamba’s” 31 points broke the previous record of 30 points held by Maya Moore and last year’s All-Star Game MVP, Kelsey Plum.
“Three is more than two, I think I told Sabrina (Ionescu) that I’m going to put a lot of threes,” Loyd said after the record-breaking match. “It’s a special moment honestly, it’s great for the league and I’m happy I was able to do it for my family.”
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced Saturday that Phoenix will be the host city for the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game.
