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Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) shoots a free throw against the Los Angeles Sparks during the first half of a WNBA preseason basketball game, Friday, May 12, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Brittney Griner returned to the basketball court Friday to play in her first preseason game since her 10-month ordeal in a Russian prison. “I’m grateful to be here, that’s for sure,” the Phoenix Mercury player said before the game. “I’m not going to take a day for granted.” Although the Mercury fell to the Los Angeles Sparks 90-71, the six-foot-nine Griner racked up 10 points and three rebounds during the game. “We looked at each other and we just had chills,” says Phoenix Coach Vanessa Nygaard. “Just to see her back out there — it’s an absolute miracle. It was amazing. It’s giving me chills again.”
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