It comes after the two-time US Olympic basketball gold medalist pleaded responsible to drug fees at a Russian court docket close to Moscow on Thursday however the US State Division says she is wrongfully detained.
She now faces as much as 10 years in jail beneath the cost.
Earlier than the sport, Griner’s title was introduced together with a graphic of her whereas her initials had been displayed courtside.
Gamers additionally emerged within the second half with jerseys donning Griner’s title and quantity on the again as Staff Wilson defeated Staff Stewart 134-112.
“We’re essentially the most unified league on the earth actually and carrying the jerseys was a press release to point out that we’re BG [Brittney Griner],” A’ja Wilson informed reporters after the match.
“She’s our sister and, on the finish of the day, we’re going to do no matter we will to amplify the platform that now we have to guarantee that everyone seems to be doing what they should do to guarantee that she will get dwelling safely.
“It is exhausting. It is exhausting for all of us. It is not straightforward. Not a day goes by that I am not fascinated with Brittney Griner.
“So carrying her jersey and letting the world know we aren’t complete with out her, I feel that is a press release in itself.”
Even earlier than play acquired underway, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert opened her press convention by mentioning that bringing Griner dwelling stays the league’s precedence.
“I actually wish to begin and simply reiterate that we’re pondering of Brittney Griner at the moment,” she mentioned.
“She stays an enormous precedence for us, continues to have our full assist, absolutely targeted on getting her dwelling safely and as quickly as potential.”
Griner’s spouse, Cherelle, was in attendance on the All-Star Recreation and mentioned it was “all the time going to be troublesome being round basketball with out my spouse being current.”
“I exploit these moments as simply gratitude for her legacy and affect, you already know, even in her absence you’ll be able to’t not say Brittney Griner,” Cherelle informed ESPN.
“So I am simply so grateful that everyone on this area is definitely nonetheless remembering my spouse even with out her being right here.”
Brittney, in a handwritten letter to President Joe Biden, mentioned she fears she can be detained in Russia indefinitely and pleaded with the President to not neglect about her and different American detainees.
“What I do know is President Biden and his administration took the time to really write BG again, and he or she’s so grateful for that,” Cherelle added when requested in regards to the letter.
“I really consider the following step on this journey is definitely to assist our administration in ensuring that they’ve our assist to do no matter is important to deliver her again dwelling.”