Before the New York Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream game, Brittney Griner and Natasha Cloud shared a heartwarming reunion, but it was Griner’s playful seven-word message that caught everyone’s attention. What did she say to Cloud, and how did Cloud respond? Find out the full, fun exchange between these two former Phoenix Mercury teammates! 👇👇

 

Brittney Griner Sends Seven-Word Message to Natasha Cloud After Heartfelt Reunion

A heartwarming moment unfolded on Tuesday before the game between the New York Liberty and the Atlanta Dream, as former Phoenix Mercury teammates Brittney Griner and Natasha Cloud shared a touching reunion during pre-game warmups. The two players, who have built a strong bond over the years, exchanged a warm embrace, a clear sign of mutual respect and shared history.

 

A Playful Message from Griner

Following their reunion, Griner took to Threads to share pictures of the encounter. In her post, Griner penned a playful seven-word message to Cloud: “Didn’t know you could jump that high.” The lighthearted jab was full of genuine admiration, acknowledging Cloud’s impressive athleticism.

WNBA: Copper, Cloud and Griner stand out for surging Mercury - Swish Appeal

Cloud, never one to back down from a witty exchange, responded with her own cheeky reply: “I just knew 6’8 wanna finna scoop me 🤣😉.” The banter between the two players reflected their deep friendship and mutual respect, bringing smiles to fans who caught the interaction.

 

The Game: Liberty’s Victory, Griner’s Underperformance

Despite the friendly pre-game exchange, the game itself saw the New York Liberty emerge victorious over the Atlanta Dream with a close score of 81-86. Griner, however, had an uncharacteristic performance, contributing only 9 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Cloud added 7 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, and 1 steal to her team’s efforts.

The loss effectively ended the Dream’s hopes of claiming the top spot in the Commissioner’s Cup, allowing Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever to secure their place in the final on July 1 against the Minnesota Lynx, after their victory over the Connecticut Sun.

 

Natasha Cloud, Brittney Griner joyfully reunite before Liberty-Dream clash  - Yahoo Sports

Griner’s Role in the Team

Brittney Griner’s leadership and influence on her teammates are evident, whether with former teammates like Cloud or current players such as Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. Howard, in particular, has spoken highly of Griner’s impact on the court, saying, “Having her on the court with me, I get to take a deep breath because she’s a force on offense and defense… She’s trying to make my job easier.”

Griner has reciprocated the love and respect, noting the strong bond she shares with her current teammates: “Those three ladies [Howard, Gray, and Jordin Canada] right there… Everything they’ve shown me and my family… Every time you came to play here, you just felt the atmosphere.”

 

Conclusion: A Bond Built on Respect

The reunion between Griner and Cloud, combined with the playful back-and-forth, highlights the camaraderie and deep respect between these two athletes. While the game ended with a loss for Atlanta, Griner’s leadership and positive influence on her teammates remain undeniable. As the WNBA season continues, Griner’s presence on the court is a constant source of support and motivation for the Dream, as well as for the league as a whole.