Brittney Griner (Image Via Getty Images)
Brittney Griner delivered a once-in-a-lifetime moment on Monday night, making history in the Unrivaled League with the first-ever dunk. The nine-time WNBA All-Star and Phoenix Mercury center showed her signature ability, throwing down a powerful one-handed slam in the Phantom’s 92-79 loss to the Lunar Owls at Wayfair Arena.

Despite the Phantom suffering their third straight defeat, dropping to 3-9 on the season, Griner’s moment stood out as a milestone for the three-on-three league. Her dunk electrified the arena and sent shockwaves through the basketball world, adding another chapter to her already storied career.

Brittney Griner’s Historic Dunk With A Familiar Feeling

Brittney Griner (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Lisa Leslie, who recorded the first dunk in WNBA history in 2002, acknowledged Griner’s achievement. Speaking to USA Today’s Safid Deen, Leslie praised the moment and recalled her own experience.

“The dunk was outstanding, and it’s historic,” Leslie said. “The night I dunked, we lost that game, too. … But that is a historic moment to be the first to dunk in Unrivaled.” Brittney Griner embraced the accomplishment and hinted at doing it again.

“Glad to be able to hold it,” Griner said. “Maybe I’ll try to get another one next game.”

 

Her return to dominance makes this achievement even more remarkable. After spending 10 months detained in Russia, Griner emotionally returned to the WNBA, earning two All-Star selections since her release. The creation of Unrivaled, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, provides an offseason alternative for players who previously had to seek international opportunities- a necessity that became even more evident following Brittney Griner’s ordeal.

Leslie appreciated Griner’s return: “You’re not just back. You’re back and better.” With Unrivaled growing and Griner already making history, will another dunk be next?