Brittney Griner Shines as Atlanta Dream Face Indiana Fever

ATLANTA, GA — Brittney Griner, a veteran of the WNBA and two-time scoring champion, is set to make her regular-season home debut with the Atlanta Dream Thursday night against the Indiana Fever. This season marks a significant change for Griner, who signed with Atlanta after spending her entire career with the Phoenix Mercury.

At 34 years old, Griner is not only adjusting to a new team but also embracing motherhood. She and her wife, Cherelle, are raising their 10-month-old son, Bash, which has shifted Griner’s focus to family life. “What we doing? What we doing?” was her routine question to teammates before. Now, she says, “I know what I’m doing,” referring to her new daily responsibilities.

Griner’s signing is seen as a pivotal moment for the Dream, a team that has struggled despite making the playoffs in recent years. “She could be the steady veteran who can anchor our future,” said Dream general manager Dan Padover. Griner made an immediate impact at a recent season-ticket holder event by engaging with fans and showing her playful nature.

Entering her first season with Atlanta, Griner expressed feeling “rejuvenated” and treats the city as a second home. This contrast to her off-court challenges last year, including her detainment in Russia, makes her return to professional basketball deeply meaningful. “It’s just different now. I just want to take advantage of all the time I can while I’m here,” Griner said, indicating a new perspective on life and basketball.

During her free agency, Griner explored options with various teams but was drawn to Atlanta’s vision and culture, feeling a personal connection with its players. She quickly became known for her leadership and enthusiasm during training camp, providing valuable insights to her teammates.

As the Dream prepares for their matchup against Indiana, Griner is optimistic about her new journey. “I just have this new energy being in Atlanta,” she stated. As she steps onto the court, many expect her to energize the team and fans alike, solidifying her place in Atlanta’s growing sports narrative.