Brittney Griner's Five-Word Message For Mercury Coach Sums Up Her Attitude

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner missed the beginning of the 2024 WNBA season after suffering a fractured toe in preseason.

Griner made her return to the court earlier this month, and played her seventh game of the season on Friday night.

The WNBA veteran struggled in the first half of last night's 92-78 win over the Los Angeles Sparks. But when the final whistle blew, she'd recorded an impressive 18-point, 11-rebound double-double.

During his postgame press conference, head coach Nate Tibbetts said Griner thanked him after the game.

“Thanks for believing in me," Griner said.

“I’m always going to believe in you," Tibbetts replied.

Griner, an 11-year WNBA pro, is clearly grateful for the opportunity to continue performing at a high level. Even through her injuries and struggles, Tibbetts and the Phoenix organization have always had her back.

Since Griner's return from injury, the Mercury are 5-2 and rank top five in both offense and defense. Griner is averaging 19.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

Tibbetts, Griner and the Mercury will face off against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever in a highly-anticipated matchup on Sunday afternoon.