‘A day of joy:’ Brittney Griner set to open 1st WNBA season since detainment in Russia

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner is introduced prior to a WNBA preseason basketball game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Friday, May 12, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — For the first time since last season, Phoenix coach Vanessa Nygaard opened her pregame comments without announcing how many days Brittney Griner had been jailed in Russia.