Brittney Griner Fires Back At Retirement Talk After Strong First Half Performance Against New York Liberty

Every preseason game is important in the WNBA, and the New York Liberty vs Connecticut Sun game was a prime example. There were two key events in the game: the Liberty team saw Sabrina Ionescu leave the preseason game with an injury scare, and the Sun franchise saw Brittney Griner showcase her capabilities against top teams.

The newest addition to the side was not a ‘panic buy’ for the franchise but a strategic move in its final season as the ‘Connecticut Sun.’ The player also delivered a strong performance and had a message for the critics.

Brittney Griner Fires Shot At Critics With Strong Performance

The 35-year-old wanted to stay with the Dream team, but following the Angel Reese trade, the franchise didn’t offer the contract the veteran forward looked for. Griner then made a move to the Sun franchise, accepting a seven-figure offer.

Although there is another reason for her move, she also wanted to prove herself at 35. In the midgame interview, the forward said, “People…wanted to all me old, wanna say I need to retire and sh*t…I’m not.”

Griner interview after cookin in the first half:
“People…wanted to call me old, wanna say I need to retire and sh*t…I’m not”

NY vs CT def coming w the competition of an in-season game so far pic.twitter.com/kmWK2DTVlg

— Rosalina Lee (@YoitsRosie) May 3, 2026

At halftime, the player scored 14 points, hitting 6 of 7 shots. After poor performance with the Atlanta team, there was chatter about her possible retirement, but the player focused on her play and even played in the Unrivaled league.

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As for the franchise, the veteran forward will be a massive addition as the coach would look to hand more responsibility to the forward.

Brittney Griner To Be Veteran Guide For Young Connecticut Stars

The Baylor star’s arrival at the Connecticut Sun for the 2026 “Sunset Season” promises a transformative impact on the team’s predominantly young roster. As a 13th-year veteran and 6-foot-9 icon, Griner brings a Hall of Fame resume that acts as a blueprint for success for the Sun’s developing players.

CT SUN'S STARTER Britney Griner Preseason Stats pic.twitter.com/65ANI1ADQv

— NewsTalk New England (@nenewstalk) May 3, 2026

She will have a massive impact on post prospects like Aaliyah Edwards and 2026 draftee Nell Angloma. Importantly, the Sun side has 13 of the 17 training camp participants with 3 years or less of experience. For them, Griner could offer guidance on the finer points of post play and elite defense.

Her leadership style, influenced by legends like Diana Taurasi, focuses on pulling younger teammates aside to discuss career longevity and work ethic. Beyond court production, Griner’s resilience and veteran calm provide a stabilizing force, teaching young players how to navigate the intense pressures of the WNBA as the franchise prepares for its future move to Houston.