Brittney Griner has a message for critics as she basks in the glory of Team USA's Olympic gold

By Shreeja Das
Published on : 06:17 PST, Aug 13, 2024

Brittney Griner got back at her critics after Team USA's Olympics gold medal victory (Getty Images)

PARIS, GFRANCE: In a heart-stopping 67-66 victory over France, the United States women's national basketball team clinched their eighth consecutive gold medal at the Summer Olympics, extending their phenomenal Olympic winning streak to 61 games.

For Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, this win was particularly poignant, striking back at haters, marking her third Olympic gold - a milestone she once thought she might never reach.

On Thursday afternoon, during the 2024 Paris Olympics, the New York Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu and the Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner showcased their skills as Team USA women's basketball team triumphed over Belgium with a score of 87-74.

This victory puts Team USA at a perfect 2-0 in their Olympic campaign.

Notable bench contributions and a memorable taunt

Both Ionescu and Griner made notable contributions off the bench. Ionescu scored six points with a 2-of-5 shooting performance, along with five assists and three rebounds. Griner added seven points and three rebounds to the tally.

LILLE, FRANCE - AUGUST 01: Sabrina Ionescu #6 of Team United States reacts during a Women's Basketball Group Phase - Group C game between the United States and Belgium on day six of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Pierre Mauroy on August 01, 2024 in Lille, France. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The game saw a memorable moment with just four seconds remaining on the clock. Ionescu, with the game well in hand for Team USA, took a long three-point shot and successfully made it, pushing the USA lead to 13 points.

Following this shot, Ionescu turned to the crowd and performed a shush gesture, effectively quieting the Belgian supporters who had been vocally cheering for their team.

Shush Gesture silences enthusiastic belgian fans, Caps off strong performance

The gesture was particularly impactful given the crowd was predominantly made up of Belgian fans, who were enthusiastic throughout the game. Ionescu’s taunt served as a fitting capstone to her performance.

Upon her return to the bench, both Griner and Diana Taurasi shared in the moment, beaming with delight and mimicking the same shush gesture.

LILLE, FRANCE - AUGUST 01: Sabrina Ionescu #6 of Team United States makes quiet gesture towards the crowd during a Women's Basketball Group Phase - Group C game between the United States and Belgium on day six of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Pierre Mauroy on August 01, 2024 in Lille, France. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Ionescu, competing in her first Olympics, previously earned gold at the 2022 World Cup in Australia with Team USA. Griner, on the other hand, is in her third Olympic Games, having won gold at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She also secured a WNBA championship alongside Taurasi in 2014. — New York Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu and the Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner showcased their skills as Team USA women's basketball team triumphed over Belgium (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Brittney Griner reflects on Olympic gold triumph in powerful Instagram post

Just a couple of years ago, Brittney Griner's future in basketball seemed bleak.

Her wrongful detainment in Russia, which robbed her of the entire 2022 WNBA season and nearly cost her life in a remote penal colony, cast a shadow over her career.

Yet, against all odds, Griner who announced their pregnancy with her wife Cherelle Griner, made a remarkable comeback, culminating in her emotional return to Team USA at the Paris Games.

In an Instagram post on August 12, Griner shared a collage of moments from the gold medal game, reflecting on the significance of this victory. "Some love to see it ... Some hate to see it ... BUT YOU ALL SEE IT," she wrote, acknowledging the mixed reactions to her triumphant return.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BG (@brittneyyevettegriner)

Griner made her way back to the US through a prisoner exchange at the end of 2022, and since then, she’s been unstoppable, earning spots in consecutive WNBA All-Star games.

At the Paris Olympics, she averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds in just 14 minutes per game, and in the gold medal match against France, she scored four points in five minutes.

LONDON, ENGLAND: JULY 22: Brittney Griner during the USA Women's basketball team training session at CitySport, The Franklin Building, London, before playing against Germany at the O2 arena in London in preparation for the Paris Olympic Games on July 22nd, 2024, in London, England. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) — Brittney Griner during the USA Women's basketball team training session at CitySport, The Franklin Building, London, before playing against Germany at the O2 arena in London in preparation for the Paris Olympic Games on July 22, 2024, in London, England (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

Addressing both her supporters and critics, Griner summed up her journey on Instagram with a powerful statement: "Some love to see it ... Some hate to see it ... BUT YOU ALL SEE IT."

"My emotions are all over the place," Griner told ESPN on August 11.

"It means so much to me. My family didn't think I would be here, like I've said before, and then to be here and win gold for my country, representing when my country fought for me so hard to even be standing here. Yeah, this gold medal is going to hold a special place."

Fans in awe after Brittney Griner triumphs over adversity

Despite facing criticism and hate from those who believed she "deserved" punishment for carrying less than a gram of medically-prescribed cannabis oil in Russia, Griner has emerged stronger than ever, continuing to defy the odds and win on the world stage.

The comment section of Brittney Griner's Instagram was buzzing as one remarked, "And this is how you get the last laugh. Yes Ma’am 💯👏🏾"

Following suit, another observer added, "Let the haters stay mad. I'm so proud And happy for you."

Additionally, a viewer pointed out, "The way I was in TEARS when you were given your medal. You deserve this like no other. God bless you always 🙌❤️🇺🇸"

LONDON, ENGLAND: JULY 23: Brittney Griner #15 of the United States on the sideline durning team warm up before the USA V Germany, USA basketball showcase Women's basketball match in preparation for the Paris Olympic Games at The O2 Arena on July 23rd, 2024, in London, England. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) — Brittney Griner #15 of the United States on the sideline durning team warm up before the USA V Germany, USA basketball showcase Women's basketball match in preparation for the Paris Olympic Games at The O2 Arena on July 23rd, 2024, in London, England (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

A follower contributed, "Waterworks watching you during the anthem. So glad you were a part of this golden team and you are back with your fam. ❤️"

A comment underscored, "You are such an inspiration. Let the haters hate from their couches as you go out there and get your gold medals. They don’t even understand excellence. Congratulations! What amazing work you have done to do this yet again. 👏👏👏👏"

Another comment echoed, "Ball Like Brittney Griner 💜🧡 congratulations legend! 🙌"

An individual elaborated further, saying, "So super proud of you and your resilience."

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