Brittney Griner recognized with WNBA moment of silence

Following Brittney Griner’s sentencing, WNBA players, coaches and fans locked arms and tried to send Griner strength during a moment of silence.

Following Brittney Griner’s sentencing in Russia to nine years in prison Thursday, WNBA players, coaches and fans locked arms and tried to send the American basketball star strength during a moment of silence.

Before the Connecticut Sun beat the Phoenix Mercury 77-64, players from both teams met at midcourt and silently bowed their heads for 42 seconds — a nod to Griner’s jersey number with the Mercury.

“Nobody wanted to even play today,” said Phoenix guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, who scored 16 points to lead the Mercury. “How are you supposed to approach the game and court with a clear mind? The whole group is crying before the game. You try to honor her and still play hard for her. Regardless of whether she’s here or not. Right now, we still got to try and keep her spirit alive. Honor her spirit.”

U.S. and Russia to talk prisoner swap after Brittney Griner verdictAug. 5, 202202:21The Mercury watched the verdict together in the morning right before the team had its pregame shootaround.

“I mean, it’s like you’re waiting for a bomb to drop watching it, seeing her behind bars,” Mercury guard Diamond DeShields said.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/brittney-griner-recognized-wnba-moment-silence-rcna41773

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