Brittney Griner stepped up big time for the Connecticut Sun in their narrow loss to the Chicago Sky on Friday, recording 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting, along with eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks.
Griner certainly looked like she was back to her dominant self after missing four straight games due to a rib injury. In six total games played in the 2026 season, the 10-time All-Star is averaging 12.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks.
Unfortunately, as the Sun prepare for their showdown against the New York Liberty on Monday, Griner landed on the injury report once again.
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Is Brittney Griner Playing in Sun vs. Liberty?
Griner missed Sunday's practice, along with Raegan Beers and Ashlon Jackson. Sun head coach Rachid Meziane told reporters that the players were "a little bit sick" and that they were just giving them some "rest," per Deyscha Smith of The IX Sports.
However, the Sun later announced that Griner has been ruled out for their showdown with the Liberty due to another rib strain.
Considering that the Liberty are riding a four-game winning streak, Griner's absence is certainly a huge blow for Connecticut. Not to mention, the Sun are on a two-game skid and have only won twice in the 12 matchups they have played so far.
With Griner out, forward Aaliyah Edwards is expected to start at center again for the Sun. Center Olivia Nelson-Ododa is also poised to get more minutes to fill the void left by the WNBA veteran.
