Brittney Griner faces the wrath of Sheryl Swoopes when she questions the Mercury veteran’s disastrous 10-point game

Game 1 of the first-round matchup between the Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx was expected to be a lackluster matchup given the disparity in positions and statistics between the two teams. However, the tension increased in the final three minutes as fans finally realized who would emerge victorious. In the end, the Lynx took the win, but it was close, only leading by seven points. But one question remains: What if Brittney Griner had had a bigger impact on the game? The veteran’s performance is now under scrutiny and has raised doubts for Sheryl Swoopes.

On the latest episode of her podcast with Jordan Robinson, WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes dove deep into the WNBA playoffs and made them the focus of her discussion. As they analyzed each game, the former Houston Comets star couldn’t help but ask a thought-provoking question during their conversation about the Mercury vs. Lynx matchup. “So, I don’t know if it would be bad or ugly because I’m just curious. Where was BG (Griner)?” asked Swoopes via Queens of the Court.

Jordan Robinson quickly acknowledged Swoopes’ question during the podcast conversation, mentioning:That’s ugly, she only had 10 points. Swhoopes elaborated, pointing out that no player on the court could effectively defend Brittney Griner and she should have taken advantage of that opportunity. Referring to Shaquille O’Neal’s iconic warning, she said: ““You have to get in the zone on the block. And, as Shaq says, ‘barbecue chicken.'”

While Swoopes’ comments on her podcast to Brittney Griner may sound harsh, there is a grain of truth in them. Had the Baylor graduate made better use of her opportunities, the Mercury could have turned a difficult contest around and potentially achieved a better result, especially given the 6-foot-1 center’s size advantage.

Brittney Griner’s fight against the lynx

When the first round match between the Mercury and the Lynx began, expectations were low for the Mercury, especially given their 1-3 record against their opponents in the regular season. However, there was a glimmer of hope in the form of their combined playoff experience of 203 games compared to Minnesota’s 130. Not to mention, Brittney Griner stepped in as the second-leading scorer on the roster. However, that wish didn’t quite come true.

Griner, who was in the starting lineup after averaging 17.8 points per game during the regular season, struggled to find her rhythm in the first quarter. She attempted four shots from inside the three-point line but could only sink one. Unfortunately, things didn’t improve for the Mercury in the second half. The 10-time WNBA All-Star attempted three more shots but none of them found the back of the net. She did score two points from the free throw line in the quarter, but it was clear she wasn’t having the impact fans were hoping for.

In the fourth quarter, however, Griner’s 6-foot jump shot cut the lead to one point before Natasha Cloud gave the Mercury a brief lead. Although expectations were high for the experienced Griner, it was Cloud who really shined. She finished the game as the team’s top scorer and was also the team’s leader in assists and rebounds. Unfortunately, the guard’s impressive performance was not enough to defeat the Lynx, who were considered the second-best defense team during the regular season.

The Texas native finished the night with just 10 points, four of which came from the free throw line. Although she attempted 10 shots, she only made three, resulting in a disappointing 30% shooting percentage from the field..

“She (BG) must be more present in the second game if Phoenix wants to try to force a third game,” mentioned Swoopes as Mercury “You have to do what works for you” if they want to continue their title run and likely give another franchise icon, Diana Taurasi, one last chance to shine at the Footprint Center. Game 2 is scheduled to be played today at the Target Center.