Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner was having a productive night against the Los Angeles Sparks, but her time on the court was ultimately cut short due to an ejection. During the final 18 seconds of the first half between the two teams, a heated altercation broke out, resulting in Griner being tossed out of the game.
The incident began when Griner and a Los Angeles Sparks rookie got tangled up while battling for a rebound. The two players began to exchange words, and the situation quickly escalated, drawing in multiple players from both teams.
The referee crew struggled to regain control of the situation, and after a lengthy review, Griner was assessed a technical foul and subsequently ejected from the game. The Sparks rookie was also given a technical foul for her role in the altercation.
The ejection came as a surprise to many, given Griner's importance to the Mercury lineup. The 6-foot-9 center is one of the most dominant players in the WNBA, known for her dominance in the paint and ability to alter shots.
Despite being down one of their best players, the Mercury managed to stay competitive in the second half, thanks in large part to the efforts of their supporting cast. However, the Sparks ultimately emerged victorious, securing a hard-fought win on their home court.
The incident is sure to generate plenty of discussion in the days to come, with many fans and analysts weighing in on the severity of Griner's punishment. While Griner is known for her fiery personality, the Mercury star has also been an outspoken advocate for women's sports and LGBTQ+ rights.
As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the intense passion and competitiveness that defines the league. While the altercation between Griner and the Sparks rookie was certainly unfortunate, it also highlights the high level of talent and athleticism that exists in the WNBA.