A broken toe has delayed Brittney Griner’s season debut so far, but nothing more.
The Phoenix Mercury star will not only play but start Friday against the Minnesota Lynx after missing the first 10 games of the season. Mercury starting guard Bec Allen also returns from a concussion, giving Phoenix its ideal starting lineup for the first time this season.
Griner returns to the court after averaging 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.6 blocks per game last season, his first after returning from his incarceration in Russia.
The Mercury went 9-31 that season. This one has been slightly better despite Griner’s absence with a 4-6 start even though Allen, signed from the Connecticut Sun last offseason, missed five games.
Griner’s first game back figures to be a tough test, as the Lynx currently lead the Western Conference with a 7-2 record.