Full Breakdown
Griner and Cunningham Share Warm Reunion Before Fever-Sun Showdown
7/23/2026, 1:22:31 PM
Core Event: Former Teammates Meet on the Court
Ahead of the Indiana Fever’s home game against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, former Phoenix Mercury teammates Britt Brittany Griner and Sophie Cunningham embraced and exchanged a few words on the court. The brief interaction was captured on video and posted by USA Sports and USA Network on Instagram, highlighting the personal connection that endures despite the players now representing opposite sides.
Background & Context: Years Together in Phoenix
Griner and Cunningham first became teammates when Phoenix selected Cunningham with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2019 draft. They played together from 2019 through the 2024 season, helping the Mercury reach the 2021 WNBA Finals, where they fell to the Chicago Sky. The partnership ended in the 2025 offseason when Griner signed with the Atlanta Dream and Cunningham was dealt to Indiana in a four-team trade led by Satou Sabally. Both have since become key figures on their new teams—Cunningham as a scoring guard for the Fever and Griner as a veteran center anchoring the Sun’s interior.
Data & Statistics
- Age & Draft Position: Griner is 42 years old; Cunningham entered the league as the 13th overall pick in 2019,.
- Recent Head-to-Head Results: Indiana defeated Connecticut 85-75 on June 13, with Cunningham scoring the final 11 points for the Fever.
- Upcoming Schedule: After the Wednesday game, the Fever will not play again until the scheduled July 28 matchup following the All-Star break.
- Game Outcome: The Wednesday contest concluded with a dominant 123-88 Indiana victory, setting franchise records for points in a single game and at halftime.
Official Statements & Responses
In an ESPN interview with Hallie Grossman, Griner described playing against Cunningham as “annoying as crap” but emphasized that she would not want anyone else as a teammate. The comment reflects Griner’s mixed experience of facing a player she once considered a close teammate while now competing as an opponent.
On-the-Ground Reports
The pre-game footage shows the two former Mercury players sharing a lighthearted moment, with Griner appearing to encourage Cunningham to repeat her viral “pointing” gesture that originated from a June clash with Phoenix. The interaction drew fan attention, eclipsing the game’s competitive focus for many viewers.
Why It Matters
The reunion underscores the personal bonds that can persist across team lines in the WNBA, offering a human-interest narrative that resonates with fans. It also highlights the league’s growing media visibility, as the moment was widely shared on social platforms and covered by multiple outlets.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Playing against her, it's annoying as crap. But when she's your teammate, you wouldn't want anybody else,” — Brittney Griner
What’s Next
The Fever’s next appearance is slated for the scheduled July 28 date after the league pauses for the All-Star weekend. Both teams will look to build on the momentum from Wednesday’s game as the season progresses.
