The 2022 WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago began with a special moment honoring Mercury center Brittney Griner, who remains wrongfully detained in Russia after nearly five months in custody.
The league acknowledged Griner with a graphic recognizing her as an honorary All-Star and starter for Sunday’s star-studded showcase. The tribute prompted a strong wave of applause from fans inside Wintrust Arena as all 20 WNBA All-Stars joined in on the reaction from the floor while sporting warm-up shirts with Griner’s name and No. 42 on the back.
Later on, ESPN’s Holly Rowe joined Griner’s wife Cherelle for a conversation court-side during the second quarter of the game.