Brittney Griner Reacts to Atlanta Dream's WNBA Playoff Development

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 8:03 PM ET

Brittney Griner has had an interesting season in her first year with the Atlanta Dream. The 10-time All-Star parted ways with the Phoenix Mercury during the offseason after spending the first 11 years of her career with the same team that drafted her first overall in the 2013 WNBA Draft.

Griner put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the Dream worth $214,466 and has since been a crucial part of the squad. The 6-foot-9 center made 25 starts for Atlanta to start the season, but she was moved to a bench role after returning from a three-game injury absence in early August.

Dream head coach Kyle Smesko has liked his team’s rotation since moving Griner to the bench, and he’s decided to keep the two-time Defensive Player of the Year with the second unit.

This move has paid dividends for Atlanta. A testament to this fact is how they were able to clinch a playoff berth on Friday after defeating Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings — a massive development that Griner has now reacted to via social media.

“pLAyOfF BoUNd ” the 34-year-old posted on Instagram on Tuesday.

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A post shared by BG (@brittneyyevettegriner)

It is unclear whether Griner, who is averaging 9.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 21.2 minutes per game, will remain on the bench once the postseason begins or if Smesko will opt to keep her on the bench. The first-year coach previously indicated that he’s more than happy to utilize Griner as a reserve weapon, which could very well be the case for the Dream in the playoffs.

Atlanta is currently third in the standings with a 26-14 record. Depending on the results of their last four remaining games, Griner and Co. can finish anywhere between No. 2 and No. 6.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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