Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Brittney Griner’s Gesture to Sophie Cunningham Grabs Attention Before Fever-Dream Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated May 21, 2025 7:47 AM ET

The Atlanta Dream secured their first win of the 2025 WNBA season on Tuesday night, narrowly defeating the Indiana Fever 91-90 in a thriller. The Dream had a strong lead in the third quarter, going up 71-57, but the Caitlin Clark-led Fever stormed back to tie the game at 89-89. Despite the pressure, Atlanta held on for the one-point victory.

Before the heated battle on the court, a heartfelt moment unfolded courtside. Brittney Griner, now with the Dream, caught up with former teammate Sophie Cunningham. The two shared a warm exchange that fans quickly noticed and praised online.

“All love from former teammates,” one fan wrote.

Griner and Cunningham were part of the Phoenix Mercury for several years — Griner played there from 2013 to 2024, and Cunningham from 2019 to 2025. Their reunion ahead of the game brought a wave of nostalgia for Mercury fans.

Griner made her presence felt in the game, posting 21 points and eight rebounds before fouling out with 21 seconds left.

Former teammates Sophie Cunningham and Brittney Griner, who both played for Phoenix last year: pic.twitter.com/7Z392ecJYd
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) May 20, 2025

Despite her foul trouble, Dream head coach Karl Smesko praised her leadership: “She was the one calming everybody down.” Griner also moved into 20th on the WNBA’s all-time rebounding list, passing Tangela Smith. She laughed off the foul-out, saying, “Don’t put your hand in the cookie jar and foul out at the end… Jesus.”

Brittney Griner tonight

• 21 points
• 8 rebounds
• 8/13 FG

pic.twitter.com/vUDsxSzMCa
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) May 21, 2025

Cunningham, now with the Fever, has been sidelined with a right ankle injury suffered in preseason, ironically, against the Dream. Though she hasn't debuted for Indiana yet, her reunion with Griner was one of the night’s highlights, proving that some bonds go beyond team colors.

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

More must-reads: