‘The love was amazing’: Brittney Griner shines in emotional return to court

US Vice President Kamala Harris in attendance as Griner scores game-high 18 points in first game since Russian imprisonment 

BACK AT IT: Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury controls the ball against Joyner Holmes of the Los Angeles Sparks in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on May 19, 2023 in Los Angeles, California Pic: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Two hours before Brittney Griner would play her first WNBA game in 19 months, her coach with the Phoenix Mercury described the meaning of the occasion in a simple yet poignant manner.

“All last season, I opened with how many days she was gone,” Vanessa Nygaard, the team’s second-year coach, said concerning her interviews. “This is the first press conference for a game that I haven’t.” Griner, who spent 10 months imprisoned in Russia, returned to an exuberant reception Friday night from the 10,396 fans attending the season opener at the Crypto.com Arena, where the Los Angeles Sparks routed Griner’s Mercury, 94-71. Those attending included US vice-president Kamala Harris, who spoke to both teams before the game.