Brittney Griner fighting with Rickea Jackson (Photo via ESPN/YouTube)
Last night, Brittney Griner would have herself an early shower following an altercation with a standout rookie in the league.
With less than 20 seconds to play before halftime, Mercury guard Celeste Taylor was at the free throw line, missing the first and hitting the second shot.
As the latter went up, Los Angeles Sparks star rookie Rickea Jackson and Li Yueru were attempting to box out Brittney Griner, who swung her arm up and appeared to catch the rookie in the face.
Brittney Griner and Sparks rookie forward Rickea Jackson would soon have to be separated as they came face-to-face on the court.
Jackson pushed Griner and then backed up before punches could be thrown.
The two exchanged words as they were separated by referees, coaches, and players.
Both players received double technicals, which resulted in automatic ejections. The WNBA will review the incident and determine if any additional discipline is necessary for the two players.
Phoenix veteran Sophie Cunningham could also be seen getting into the action. She chirped in the direction of Sparks players while making a talking gesture with her hand.
This marked Jackson’s first career ejection. She had a solid debut year, averaging 13.4 points per game on 46.4 percent shooting, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
The Sparks are 7-32 and have no shot of making the playoffs. To close out their season, they take on the Lynx in Minnesota.
Brittney Griner Has Helped The Phoenix Mercury Return To The Playoffs
Brittney Griner may have been ejected in the team’s last game, but her play on the court has helped the team achieve its goals.
Griner is averaging 18.0 points per game, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, per her stats on ESPN.
The seventh-seeded Mercury are just 19-20 on the year, but they are in position to make the playoffs after missing out on it in 2023.
The team will face the fifth-seeded Storm in Phoenix on Thursday in both teams’ final regular-season game before the playoffs begin.