Brittney Griner Returns to Phoenix as Connecticut Sun Face Struggling Mercury

Brittney Griner’s anticipated return to Phoenix for the second time since her storied eleven-year tenure with the Mercury is set to ignite a pivotal two-game series against her former franchise, with the Connecticut Sun set to tip off against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night. This upcoming matchup marks a significant moment for Griner, who will once again step onto the court in the city that was once her primary basketball home. The Connecticut Sun, currently holding a 6-18 record, are navigating a challenging season but have shown recent signs of resurgence, winning four of their last seven games after an arduous 2-15 start. They will face a Phoenix Mercury team that has faltered recently, losing four consecutive contests after a brief five-game stretch of success, bringing their season record to 8-17.

Griner’s Resurgence and Impact on the Sun

The narrative surrounding Brittney Griner’s current season with the Connecticut Sun is one of resilience and renewed impact. Since signing with the Sun as a free agent last offseason, the nine-time All-Star center has been a central figure for her new team. Despite a season hampered by injuries, including significant time missed due to rib, foot, and quad ailments, Griner has demonstrated her enduring prowess on the court. She currently leads the Sun in scoring, averaging 13.9 points per game, and is a dominant force defensively, contributing 1.8 blocked shots per contest. Her presence has been instrumental in Connecticut’s recent uptick in performance, particularly in their last two victories.

In their most recent outing on Tuesday, Griner was a catalyst in the Sun’s nail-biting 90-87 home win against the Portland Fire. Her offensive output was significant, with 20 points, complemented by six assists and four rebounds, showcasing her all-around game. This performance followed an even more dominant display on July 6th, where she nearly carried the Sun to victory against the Minnesota Lynx. In that thrilling 90-89 win, Griner registered a remarkable 29 points and secured a double-double with 10 rebounds, further solidifying her vital role in Connecticut’s strategy.

Addressing Doubts and Demonstrating Durability

Griner, now 35 years old, has publicly addressed the perceptions of her career trajectory. "A lot of people are counting me out, want to call me old, want to set me to retire," she stated, her words reflecting a determination to defy expectations. "I got a lot to go, and this team is bringing a lot out of me." Her recent performances strongly support her assertion, indicating that she still possesses the physical capabilities and competitive drive that have defined her illustrious career. The Sun’s young roster, which underwent a significant overhaul in the offseason, appears to be benefiting from Griner’s veteran leadership and on-court excellence.

A Young Sun Squad Fueled by Transition

The Connecticut Sun organization has embarked on a substantial rebuilding phase. Following a significant roster turnover that saw key players, including former Sun stalwart Alyssa Thomas, depart, the team has integrated a new core, notably featuring rookie point guard Charlisse Leger-Walker. This youthful energy, combined with Griner’s experienced presence, presents a dynamic blend as the Sun look to solidify their position in the league standings. The departure of Thomas, who played eleven seasons for the Sun, adds another layer of narrative to the upcoming series, as she now anchors the Phoenix Mercury.

The Mercury’s Struggles and Thomas’s Impact

The Phoenix Mercury, despite possessing experienced talent like Alyssa Thomas, are currently mired in a difficult patch of their season. Their recent four-game losing streak has been characterized by a deficiency in offensive execution and an increase in turnovers, averaging 15.5 giveaways per game during this skid. However, signs of their offensive potential emerged in their recent 104-100 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Monday. In that contest, the Mercury shot an impressive 55.6% from the field (35 of 63) and demonstrated improved ball movement, tallying 28 assists against 14 turnovers.

Alyssa Thomas, a cornerstone of the Sun franchise for over a decade before her move to Phoenix, has been a consistent contributor for the Mercury. In her matchups against her former team during the 2025 season, she proved formidable, averaging 13.7 points, 11 assists, and 9.3 rebounds across three games, with the Mercury securing a 2-1 record in those contests. Her familiarity with the Sun’s personnel and system, coupled with her all-around game, makes her a crucial factor for Phoenix as they aim to break their losing streak. Thomas’s leadership and ability to impact multiple facets of the game will be vital for the Mercury’s resurgence. Reflecting on the team’s current challenges, Thomas emphasized the importance of collective resilience. "The biggest thing is staying together; nobody’s going to feel sorry for us," she remarked following the loss to Minnesota, underscoring a mentality of self-reliance as they navigate their current struggles.

Historical Context and Griner’s Previous Return

Brittney Griner’s return to Phoenix carries significant emotional and professional weight, particularly given her history with the Mercury. Her departure from the franchise, following her eleven-year career, was a major shift in the WNBA landscape. Last season, during her stint with the Atlanta Dream, Griner made her first visit back to Phoenix. The Mercury organization acknowledged her legacy with a tribute video, a gesture that underscored the profound impact she had on the franchise and the city. In that game on July 24, 2025, Griner delivered a strong performance, scoring 17 points and grabbing eight rebounds in a 90-79 victory for the Dream. This upcoming series offers another opportunity for Griner to perform in front of a fanbase that once cheered her every move, now as a key player for a different Eastern Conference team.

Analyzing the Two-Game Set: Implications and Trends

The consecutive games between the Connecticut Sun and the Phoenix Mercury are more than just regular-season matchups; they represent crucial opportunities for both teams to gain momentum and address their respective challenges. For the Sun, these games offer a chance to further validate their recent positive trajectory and demonstrate that their early-season struggles were a temporary setback. A strong showing against a Mercury team that, despite its losses, possesses significant talent, could propel Connecticut’s confidence and improve their standing as the season progresses.

Conversely, the Phoenix Mercury are at a critical juncture. This two-game series presents a prime opportunity to halt their losing streak and regain the winning form they displayed earlier in the season. The focus for Phoenix will undoubtedly be on improving their offensive efficiency and minimizing turnovers. If they can achieve this, particularly with Alyssa Thomas leading the charge, they have the capability to secure much-needed victories. The series also provides a compelling storyline of contrasting team dynamics: a resurgent Sun squad featuring a veteran star seeking to prove her enduring dominance, facing a Mercury team grappling with inconsistencies but boasting a former franchise icon aiming to recapture their winning ways.

The broader implications of this series extend beyond immediate wins and losses. For Griner, it’s a chance to continue building her legacy and demonstrate her value to the Connecticut Sun, proving that she remains one of the league’s premier players. For the Mercury, these games could serve as a turning point, either deepening their current slump or igniting a much-needed rally. The performances of key players like Griner and Thomas, alongside the emerging talent on the Sun and the veteran leadership on the Mercury, will be closely watched as this significant two-game set unfolds in Phoenix. The outcome could have a ripple effect on both teams’ aspirations for the remainder of the WNBA season.