Brittney Griner made a statement in her Atlanta Dream debut, pouring in 16 points, hauling in 10 rebounds and dishing three assists in an 80–70 preseason victory over the Washington Mystics.
In what quickly became the game’s defining moment, Griner, historically a low-volume perimeter shooter, rifled a logo three and back-to-back triples within her first six points as a Dream.
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Reflecting on her performance, a fan said, “Griner’s offense has come a long way,” while another one is excited about the upcoming campaign, “Dream are soooo back🔥”
Her opening-quarter barrage helped Atlanta race to a 30–10 lead and spotlighted a new stretch-big role under head coach Karl Smesko, who has leaned into spacing to maximize Griner’s shooting touch.
Brittney Griner speaks to members of the media at Player 15 HQ in Phoenix.© Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
“If you don’t have big, dominant players on your team, you’ll have a hard time avoiding BG when she’s happy.” Another fan claimed.
There was a moment in the match where Griner pushed past Sonia Citron, the Washington Mystics guard, making her fall to the ground on her back.
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A fan joked under the post of that snippet, saying, “well at least now she’ll have a story to tell when BG is retiring and everyone is asked their favorite BG memory lmaooo.”
Citron, however, didn’t complain about the play and got right back up, which has left the fans praising her professionalism.
“Looked like she just got the wind knocked out of her. She got up though and seemed alright. Just a tough screen. I’ve liked what I’ve seen from Citron so far this preseason.” One posted.
Observers noted that, despite the preseason setting, Griner’s comfort beyond the arc signals a potential evolution in her game and a strategic boon for a Dream roster.
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“I feel so, so welcomed to the league,” Citron said post-game. “I mean, I’m just trying to defend my person and, clearly, I didn’t see her. She’s a big, strong woman. So, she definitely got me good.”
“She hit me right in the ribs, so it was like sharp pains, but I couldn’t really breathe. Just had to lay down for a second. But just gathered myself, I was all good. But yeah, I definitely felt very welcomed.” She added.
With the regular season opener just over a week away, Atlanta’s new-look frontcourt will lean on Griner’s versatility and sharpshooting to set the tone.
Related: Fever Announce Concerning Caitlin Clark News Ahead of Mystics Game
