Brittney Griner Responds to Critics After Strong First Half in New York vs Connecticut

“I got a lot to go, and this team is bringing a lot out of me,” added the 35-year-old, now in her 13th season.

In 2025, Griner played for the Atlanta Dream and had one of her least productive seasons, with career lows in minutes (20.8), points (9.8), and rebounds (5.2).

But she started this year strong, helping her team secure an 83–78 win over the Toronto Tempo on April 29, before a preseason loss to the New York Liberty.

Despite the loss, Griner led the Connecticut Sun with 16 points, shooting 7-for-9, along with four rebounds and a steal in 21 minutes.

She also knocked down two three-pointers, her first multi-three game since Atlanta’s 2025 preseason win over the Washington Mystics.

For most of her time on the court, she matched up against five-time All-Star Jonquel Jones and helped limit her to just 7 points and 3 rebounds before halftime.

She also battled 6-foot-11 Han Xu, even finishing an impressive layup through the lane over her outstretched arm.

Griner finds her energy in the Connecticut locker room culture.

Brittney Griner Praises Connecticut Sun’s Work Ethic

The veteran forward demonstrated her message when she declared that the team possesses a strong desire to win.

Griner showed her excitement when she discussed her teammates’ dedication to their responsibilities. “I mean, the way everybody shows up each and every day, we don’t really have to coach effort here,” she explained.

“Everybody’s showing up and ready to go, eager to learn. I mean, that’s all you can ask for, honestly, especially with a young group to keep them locked in,” Griner added.

Griner’s role as a veteran leader is vital for Connecticut’s young roster.

The young athletes who succeed in this environment include Kyla Oldacre and Charlisse-Leger Walker because they flourish under non-pressured conditions.

Connecticut’s success this May will depend on team depth and consistency.

That said, with a strong comeback this year with the Connecticut Sun, do you think Brittney Griner is proving her critics wrong already, or is it too early to judge based on one strong performance?

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