Brittney Griner is one of the tallest players in the WNBA at 6-foot-9 and has the capability to dunk a basketball. When the Phoenix Mercury center throws it down, the highlight blows up the internet, but she has not recently dunked in the 2024 season.

On Friday night, right after the Mercury’s win over the Los Angeles Sparks, the nine-time WNBA All-Star revealed her reason for not dunking this season, which is to avoid aggravating her foot injury.

“I’m ready. I put a couple down in practice, test out the foot, and make sure it’s all good. The last thing I want to do is aggravate that before it can fix up,” Griner said.

During the Mercury’s training camp, Griner suffered a fractured toe in her left foot, keeping her sidelined for most of the season. Phoenix went 4-6 in Griner’s absence, but they are 5-2 since her return.

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner argues for a call against the Los Angeles Sparks during the third quarter on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Footprint Center in Phoenix. Griner was injured and did not play.

Michael Chow-Arizona Republic

Against the Sparks, Griner recorded her first double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Diana Taurasi added 20 points, including five three-pointers. The Mercury will face Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Sunday, June 30.