Brittney Griner’s Record-Breaking Night Earns Praise From Former Team Phoenix

Brittney Griner added another remarkable achievement to her Hall of Fame-caliber career this week, becoming the WNBA’s all-time leader in blocked shots. The milestone arrived during the Connecticut Sun’s victory over the Chicago Sky and further cemented Griner’s place among the most dominant defensive players the league has ever seen.

The historic accomplishment resonated across the basketball world, but perhaps nowhere more than in Phoenix. The Mercury, the organization where Griner spent more than a decade and established herself as one of the faces of the franchise, quickly acknowledged the significance of the moment.

For a Phoenix team enduring a difficult season, Griner’s achievement provided a welcome opportunity to celebrate one of the greatest players in club history. Although she no longer wears a Mercury uniform, her legacy remains deeply connected to the franchise and its most successful years.

As the WNBA continues to evolve, Griner’s latest record serves as a reminder of the impact she has had on the sport. From championship runs to defensive dominance, her career has left a lasting mark that extends far beyond any single statistic.

1. A Historic Defensive Milestone

Griner entered Monday night’s matchup against the Chicago Sky needing only a handful of blocks to surpass a record that had stood for nearly two decades. By the end of the contest, she had officially claimed the top spot in WNBA history. The veteran center recorded four blocked shots during Connecticut’s convincing 92-63 victory. Those rejections pushed her career total to 878, moving her past former record-holder Margo Dydek, whose mark had remained untouched since 2008. While the record itself was the headline, Griner’s overall performance demonstrated that she continues to contribute at a high level. She finished the game with 14 points, eight rebounds, and three assists while anchoring the Sun’s defense throughout the evening. The achievement was fitting for a player whose career has been defined by her defensive presence. For years, opposing teams have been forced to alter their game plans because of Griner’s ability to protect the rim, contest shots, and dominate the paint. The record reflects not only longevity but also a level of consistency rarely seen in professional basketball.

2. Phoenix Honors One of Its Greatest Stars

Shortly after Griner established the new record, the Mercury shared a heartfelt message recognizing her accomplishment. The tribute highlighted the connection between the player and the organization that helped shape much of her professional journey. Phoenix’s message celebrated both the statistic and the memories attached to it. During her time with the Mercury, countless blocked shots became highlight-reel moments, many of which contributed directly to team success and helped establish the franchise as a perennial contender. Griner spent more than a decade with the Mercury after being selected with the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft. During that span, she became one of the most decorated players in franchise history and developed into one of the league’s most recognizable stars. Her accomplishments in Phoenix extended well beyond shot-blocking. Griner captured a WNBA championship, earned multiple All-Star selections, won Defensive Player of the Year honors, and established herself as one of the sport’s most dominant two-way players. The Mercury’s tribute reflected appreciation not only for the record but also for the years of excellence she delivered while representing the organization.

3. A Legacy That Continues to Grow

Although Griner’s record-breaking moment came in a Connecticut uniform, much of her basketball legacy was built in Phoenix. Alongside longtime Mercury star Diana Taurasi, she helped form one of the most successful partnerships in modern WNBA history. The duo transformed Phoenix into a championship contender year after year. Their combination of scoring, leadership, and defensive excellence made the Mercury one of the league’s most respected organizations throughout much of the 2010s and early 2020s. Griner’s journey since leaving Phoenix has included stops with multiple franchises. After departing the Mercury, she spent time with the Atlanta Dream before joining the Connecticut Sun. Despite the changes, she has continued to perform at a productive level and remains one of the league’s most influential veterans. While Connecticut and Phoenix have both endured challenging seasons in the standings, Griner’s achievement offers a reminder that individual greatness can still shine amid team struggles. At 35 years old, she continues to add chapters to an already extraordinary career, proving that her impact on the game remains as significant as ever.