Late in the second quarter, the two began exchanging words and managed to shove each other before being separated. Despite the separation, their confrontation continued from a distance, resulting in both players being ejected from the game.
On Thursday, before Phoenix’s final game of the regular season, Griner addressed the intense situation with Jackson, stating, “It’s basketball. Stuff gets heated. There’s nothing personal. I like Rickea. I admire her game. So, no hard feelings. It’s part of the game.”
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner on her altercation with Sparks forward Rickea Jackson:#WNBA #WNBATwitter #ValleyTogether #TheNewClassic https://t.co/jHCKvp3sPZ pic.twitter.com/8Crzr7H3L7
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) September 19, 2024
Griner concluded the game with 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting and recorded three rebounds in just 14 minutes of play. Jackson, who participated for the entire half prior to the altercation, scored eight points on 2-of-11 shooting and also had three rebounds.
The Mercury have secured the seventh seed in the WNBA Playoffs and will compete against the Minnesota Lynx in the first round. Conversely, the Sparks are currently at the bottom of the standings and have been eliminated from playoff contention. They are aiming to secure the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft to pair UConn star Paige Bueckers with rookies Cameron Brink and Jackson.
Griner and Phoenix’s final game will take place against the Seattle Storm on Thursday, September 19, at 10:00 p.m. ET, while the Sparks will face the Lynx in their finale at 8:00 p.m. ET.
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