A very exciting moment was recorded this morning (Saturday) in American basketball, when Brittany Greiner returned to play for the first time since she was imprisoned and released from the Russian prison, 579 days since her previous game in the best league in the world. The Phoenix star received a standing ovation from the 10,396 fans in the opening round of the WNBA, and even though her team was defeated 94:71 by Los Angeles, the star finished with 18 points (7 of 9 from the field, 4 of 4 from the free throw line), 6 rebounds and – 4 blocks in 25 minutes, in a game that was much bigger than basketball.
“Last year Britney was the story. This year, it’s a story of joy, of happiness, of a welcome return,” said Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard. “I think these positive energies will help our team. I’m so happy she’s home. It’s a miracle she’s here.”
Greiner was imprisoned and spent 10 months in a Russian prison, before being released with the help of the American government. The guest of honor this morning was Kamala Harris, the vice president, and next to her in the stands was tennis legend Billie Jean King, Los Angeles Lakers coach Darwin Hamm, and quite a few other important figures in the world of sports.
Diana Turasi, who started her 19th season, said about her friend: “Last year our sister was in prison in Russia, and it affected us every day.”
