Khimki, Russia

US basketball star Brittney Griner was on Thursday convicted in Russia of drug possession and smuggling and was sentenced to nine years in prison in a politically charged case that could lead to a high-stakes prisoner exchange between Washington and Moscow. The 31-year-old Griner, a two-time US Olympic champion and a eight-time all-star with the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, listened with a blank expression as an interpreter translated the verdict by Judge Anna Sotnikova, but her lawyers said later she was very upset. Griner also was fined 1 million rubles (about $16,700). Also read: WNBA star Brittney Griner testifies in Russia drugs case,US President Joe Biden denounced as unacceptable the verdict and sentence, which came amid soaring tensions between the US and Russia over Ukraine. I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates, Biden said, adding that he would continue to work to bring home Griner and Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia on an espionage conviction. Also read: Basketball star Brittney Griner appears in court, pleads guilty in Russia drugs trial,Outside court, the US Embassy's charge d'affaires Elizabeth Rood called the outcome a miscarriage of justice. Griner, recognized as one of the greatest players in WNBA history, has been detained since Feb. 17 after police said they found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage upon landing at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport. She was returning to Russia, where she has competed since 2014. As she was led out of court, Griner said, I love my family. The nine-year sentence was close to the maximum of 10 years that Griner had faced under the charges. Most Russians possessing small quantities of drugs get at most five years in prison, lawyers said. Also read: WNBA star Brittney Griner, in Russian prison, appeals to Joe Biden for help,Defense attorney Maria Blagovolina told reporters later that Griner was very upset, very stressed. She can hardly talk. It's a difficult time for her. Before the unusually swift verdict was reached, an emotional Griner apologised to her family, teammates and the Russian city of Yekaterinburg, where she plays in the WNBA offseason, for my mistake that I made and the embarrassment that I brought on them. With her voice cracking, she added, I hope in your ruling it does not end my life. Also read: Who is Brittney Griner?,Under Russian law, Griner has 10 days to appeal, and her lawyers say they expect a hearing in Moscow regional court next week. Asked if Griner could ask for pardon from President Vladimir Putin, Blagovolina said they would consider every possibility, but the lawyers said they were not part of any discussions about a prisoner swap. A conviction is usually a prerequisite to arranging a prisoner exchange and also allows Griner to apply for a presidential pardon. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said last month that the “necessary judicial procedures” must be completed before any other steps can be taken.

{\"time\":1659635593672,\"strCount\":3823,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/us/\\\">US</a> basketball star Brittney Griner was on Thursday convicted in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/russia/\\\">Russia</a> of drug possession and smuggling and was sentenced to nine years in prison in a politically charged case that could lead to a high-stakes prisoner exchange between <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/washington/\\\">Washington</a> and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/moscow/\\\">Moscow</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 31-year-old Griner, a two-time US Olympic champion and a eight-time all-star with the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, listened with a blank expression as an interpreter translated the verdict by Judge Anna Sotnikova, but her lawyers said later she was \\\"very upset.\\\" Griner also was fined 1 million rubles (about $16,700).\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/wnba-star-brittney-griner-testifies-in-russia-drugs-case-711261/\\\">WNBA star Brittney Griner testifies in Russia drugs case</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"US President Joe Biden denounced as \\\"unacceptable\\\" the verdict and sentence, which came amid soaring tensions between the US and Russia over <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/ukraine/\\\">Ukraine</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates,\\\" Biden said, adding that he would continue to work to bring home Griner and Paul Whelan, an <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/american/\\\">American</a> imprisoned in Russia on an espionage conviction.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/basketball-star-brittney-griner-appears-in-court-pleads-guilty-in-russia-drugs-trial-696220/\\\">Basketball star Brittney Griner appears in court, pleads guilty in Russia drugs trial</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Outside court, the US Embassy's charge d'affaires Elizabeth Rood called the outcome \\\"a miscarriage of justice.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner, recognized as one of the greatest players in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/wnba/\\\">WNBA</a> history, has been detained since Feb. 17 after police said they found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage upon landing at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport. She was returning to Russia, where she has competed since 2014.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"As she was led out of court, Griner said, \\\"I love my family.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The nine-year sentence was close to the maximum of 10 years that Griner had faced under the charges. Most Russians possessing small quantities of drugs get at most five years in prison, lawyers said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/wnba-star-brittney-griner-in-russian-prison-appeals-to-joe-biden-for-help-693902/\\\">WNBA star Brittney Griner, in Russian prison, appeals to Joe Biden for help</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Defense attorney Maria Blagovolina told reporters later that Griner was \\\"very upset, very stressed. She can hardly talk. It's a difficult time for her.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Before the unusually swift verdict was reached, an emotional Griner apologised to her family, teammates and the Russian city of Yekaterinburg, where she plays in the WNBA offseason, \\\"for my mistake that I made and the embarrassment that I brought on them.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With her voice cracking, she added, \\\"I hope in your ruling it does not end my life.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/usa/who-is-brittney-griner-690769/\\\">Who is Brittney Griner?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Under Russian law, Griner has 10 days to appeal, and her lawyers say they expect a hearing in Moscow regional court next week. Asked if Griner could ask for pardon from President Vladimir Putin, Blagovolina said they would consider every possibility, but the lawyers said they were not part of any discussions about a prisoner swap.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A conviction is usually a prerequisite to arranging a prisoner exchange and also allows Griner to apply for a presidential pardon. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said last month that the “necessary judicial procedures” must be completed before any other steps can be taken.\"}}]}

Ajay Joseph

<ul>
  <li>WNBA star Brittney Griner was also fined 1 million rubles (about $16,700)</li>
  <li>The US Embassy's charge d'affaires Elizabeth Rood called the outcome "a miscarriage of justice"</li>
  <li>Most Russians possessing small quantities of drugs get at most five years in prison, lawyers said</li>
</ul>

Opoyi Central

WNBA's Brittney Griner convicted at drug trial, sentenced to 9 years

WNBA

Russia

Moscow

Washington

PhoenixMercury

JoeBiden

Ukraine

American

VladimirPutin

World

Russian prosecutors on Thursday asked a court outside Moscow to sentence American basketball star Brittney Griner to 9 1/2 years in prison on cannabis possession charges. Closing arguments in Griner's trial were held on Thursday nearly six months after her arrest at a Moscow airport and subsequent detention in a case that has reached the highest levels of US-Russia diplomacy. Also read: Amid war, Ukraine opens doors to same-sex civil unions,Although a conviction appears almost certain, given that Russian courts rarely acquit defendants and Griner has acknowledged having vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage, judges have considerable latitude on sentencing. Lawyers for the Phoenix Mercury center and two-time Olympic gold medalist have pursued strategies to bolster Griner's contention that she had no criminal intent and that the canisters ended up in her luggage due to hasty packing. Also read: US Senate approves Finland, Sweden NATO membership amid Russia-Ukraine conflict,They have presented character witnesses from the Russian team that she plays for in the WNBA off-season and written testimony from a doctor who said he prescribed her cannabis for pain treatment. It's not clear when the verdict will be announced. If she does not go free, attention will turn to the high-stakes possibility of a prisoner swap. Also read: WNBA star Brittney Griner testifies in Russia drugs case,Before her trial began in July, the State Department designated her as wrongfully detained, moving her case under the supervision of its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, effectively the government's chief hostage negotiator. Then last week, in an extraordinary move, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, urging him to accept a deal under which Griner and Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia on an espionage conviction, would go free. Also read: WNBA star Brittney Griner, in Russian prison, appeals to Joe Biden for help,Russian officials have scoffed at US statements about the case, saying they show a disrespect for Russian law. They remained poker-faced, urging Washington to discuss the issue through quiet diplomacy without releases of speculative information.

{\"time\":1659615435175,\"strCount\":3004,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Russian prosecutors on Thursday asked a court outside <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/moscow/\\\">Moscow</a> to sentence <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/american/\\\">American</a> basketball star Brittney Griner to 9 1/2 years in prison on cannabis possession charges.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Closing arguments in Griner's trial were held on Thursday nearly six months after her arrest at a Moscow airport and subsequent detention in a case that has reached the highest levels of US-Russia diplomacy.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/amid-war-ukraine-opens-doors-to-same-sex-civil-unions-717562/\\\">Amid war, Ukraine opens doors to same-sex civil unions</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Although a conviction appears almost certain, given that Russian courts rarely acquit defendants and Griner has acknowledged having vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage, judges have considerable latitude on sentencing.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Lawyers for the Phoenix Mercury center and two-time Olympic gold medalist have pursued strategies to bolster Griner's contention that she had no criminal intent and that the canisters ended up in her luggage due to hasty packing.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/us-senate-approves-finland-sweden-nato-membership-amid-russia-ukraine-conflict-717477/\\\">US Senate approves Finland, Sweden NATO membership amid Russia-Ukraine conflict</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"They have presented character witnesses from the Russian team that she plays for in the WNBA off-season and written testimony from a doctor who said he prescribed her cannabis for pain treatment.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It's not clear when the verdict will be announced. If she does not go free, attention will turn to the high-stakes possibility of a prisoner swap.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/wnba-star-brittney-griner-testifies-in-russia-drugs-case-711261/\\\">WNBA star Brittney Griner testifies in Russia drugs case</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Before her trial began in July, the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/state/\\\">State</a> Department designated her as \\\"wrongfully detained,\\\" moving her case under the supervision of its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, effectively the government's chief hostage negotiator.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Then last week, in an extraordinary move, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/us/\\\">US</a> Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, urging him to accept a deal under which Griner and Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/russia/\\\">Russia</a> on an espionage conviction, would go free.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/wnba-star-brittney-griner-in-russian-prison-appeals-to-joe-biden-for-help-693902/\\\">WNBA star Brittney Griner, in Russian prison, appeals to Joe Biden for help</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Russian officials have scoffed at US statements about the case, saying they show a disrespect for Russian law. They remained poker-faced, urging <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/washington/\\\">Washington</a> to discuss the issue through \\\"quiet diplomacy without releases of speculative information.\\\"\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Closing arguments in Griner's trial were held on Thursday nearly six months after her arrest at a Moscow airport</li>
  <li>Griner has acknowledged having vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage</li>
  <li>It is not clear when the verdict will be announced</li>
</ul>

Russian prosecutors seek 9 years sentence for American basketball star Brittney Griner

Cannabis

UnitedStates

state

AntonyBlinken

SergeyLavrov

Sports

Moscow, Russia

The drug trial of American basketball star Brittney Griner resumed Wednesday in a Russian court with Griner testifying that a language interpreter provided during her questioning translated only a fraction of what was said. Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February. She acknowledged in court earlier this month that she had vape canisters containing cannabis oil when she arrived in Russia but contends she had no criminal intent and the canisters ended up in her luggage inadvertently. Also Read: US Stock Market: DJIA, S&P500 and Nasdaq turns green in early trade on Wednesday,During her testimony, the Phoenix Mercury standout described making a grueling 13-hour flight to Moscow from Arizona while recovering from COVID-19. She recalled how her luggage was checked upon arrival and getting pulled aside after the canisters were found in her luggage. Along with the interpreter provided an incomplete translation, Griner said she was offered neither an explanation of her rights nor access to lawyers and was instructed to sign documents without receiving an explanation of what they implied. Griner faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transporting drugs. Her trial started July 1. and the five previous court sessions so far were short, some lasting only about an hour. ,It is unclear how long the trial will last, but a court has authorized the Phoenix Mercury player's detention until Dec. 20. Griner went to Russia to play for a Russian team in the WNBA's off-season. During Tuesday’s court session of about 90 minutes, a Russian neuropsychologist testified about worldwide use of medicinal cannabis, which remains illegal in Russia. Griner’s defense team has submitted a U.S. doctor’s letter recommending the basketball player use medical cannabis to treat pain. “The Russian public has to know, and the Russian court in the first place has to know, that it was not used for recreational purposes in the United States. It was prescribed by a doctor,” defense attorney Alexander Boykov said Tuesday. ,Griner's defense nonetheless focuses on the canisters winding up in her luggage due to hasty packing, Boykov said. The medical testimony and Griner’s admission that she had the canisters were aimed at earning her a mild sentence. “We have a lot of mitigating factors. So we do hope that the court will take it into consideration. And the courts in Russia, in fact, have very broad discretion with regard to the sentence, said Maria Blagovolina, another of Griner's lawyers. A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said last week that the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use in parts of the U.S. had no bearing on what happens in Russia. The slow-moving trial and Griner's five months of detention have raised strong criticism among teammates and supporters in the United States, which has formally declared her to be “wrongfully detained,” a designation sharply rejected by Russian officials. Also Read: Steph Curry opens 2022 ESPY Awards with light-hearted LeBron jibe,Griner was arrested in February amid high U.S.-Moscow tensions ahead of Russia sending troops into Ukraine later that month. Some supporters contend she is being held in Russia as a pawn, possibly for a prisoner swap. American soccer notable Megan Rapinoe last week said “she’s being held as a political prisoner, obviously.” ,Russian media have speculated that Griner could be exchanged for prominent Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, who is imprisoned in the United States, and that Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia for espionage, may also figure in an exchange. U.S. officials have not commented on the prospects for such a trade. Russian officials have said no exchange could be discussed until the conclusion of the legal proceedings against Griner.

{\"time\":1658936609475,\"strCount\":4286,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The drug trial of <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/american/\\\">American</a> basketball star Brittney Griner resumed Wednesday in a Russian court with Griner testifying that a language interpreter provided during her questioning translated only a fraction of what was said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner was arrested at a <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/moscow/\\\">Moscow</a> airport in February. She acknowledged in court earlier this month that she had vape canisters containing cannabis oil when she arrived in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/russia/\\\">Russia</a> but contends she had no criminal intent and the canisters ended up in her luggage inadvertently.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/business/us-stock-market-djia-sp500-and-nasdaq-turns-green-in-early-trade-on-wednesday-10-711236/\\\">US Stock Market: DJIA, S&amp;P500 and Nasdaq turns green in early trade on Wednesday</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"During her testimony, the Phoenix Mercury standout described making a grueling 13-hour flight to Moscow from <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/arizona/\\\">Arizona</a> while recovering from COVID-19. She recalled how her luggage was checked upon arrival and getting pulled aside after the canisters were found in her luggage.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Along with the interpreter provided an incomplete translation, Griner said she was offered neither an explanation of her rights nor access to lawyers and was instructed to sign documents without receiving an explanation of what they implied.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transporting drugs. Her trial started July 1. and the five previous court sessions so far were short, some lasting only about an hour. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It is unclear how long the trial will last, but a court has authorized the Phoenix Mercury player's detention until Dec. 20. Griner went to Russia to play for a Russian team in the WNBA's off-season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"During Tuesday’s court session of about 90 minutes, a Russian neuropsychologist testified about worldwide use of medicinal cannabis, which remains illegal in Russia. Griner’s defense team has submitted a U.S. doctor’s letter recommending the basketball player use medical cannabis to treat pain.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“The Russian public has to know, and the Russian court in the first place has to know, that it was not used for recreational purposes in the United States. It was prescribed by a doctor,” defense attorney Alexander Boykov said Tuesday. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner's defense nonetheless focuses on the canisters winding up in her luggage due to hasty packing, Boykov said. The medical testimony and Griner’s admission that she had the canisters were aimed at earning her a mild sentence.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“We have a lot of mitigating factors. So we do hope that the court will take it into consideration. And the courts in Russia, in fact, have very broad discretion with regard to the sentence,\\\" said Maria Blagovolina, another of Griner's lawyers.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said last week that the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use in parts of the U.S. had no bearing on what happens in Russia.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The slow-moving trial and Griner's five months of detention have raised strong criticism among teammates and supporters in the United States, which has formally declared her to be “wrongfully detained,” a designation sharply rejected by Russian officials.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/steph-curry-opens-2022-espy-awards-with-light-hearted-lebron-jibe-706350/\\\">Steph Curry opens 2022 ESPY Awards with light-hearted LeBron jibe</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner was arrested in February amid high U.S.-Moscow tensions ahead of Russia sending troops into <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/ukraine/\\\">Ukraine</a> later that month. Some supporters contend she is being held in Russia as a pawn, possibly for a prisoner swap. American soccer notable Megan Rapinoe last week said “she’s being held as a political prisoner, obviously.” \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Russian media have speculated that Griner could be exchanged for prominent Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, who is imprisoned in the United States, and that Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia for espionage, may also figure in an exchange.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"U.S. officials have not commented on the prospects for such a trade. Russian officials have said no exchange could be discussed until the conclusion of the legal proceedings against Griner. \"}}]}

Sourav Neogi

<ul>
  <li>The WNBA star is also a two-time Olympic gold medallist</li>
  <li>She was arrested at a Moscow airport in February 2022</li>
  <li>Griner is facing up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transporting drugs to Russia</li>
</ul>

WNBA star Brittney Griner testifies in Russia drugs case

DrugTrafficking

Arizona

Jailed American basketball star Brittney Griner on Thursday pleaded guilty to drug possession during her trial in Moscow but said she had no intention of committing a crime. Representatives for Griner confirmed to The Associated Press that the WNBA star pleaded guilty to drug possession charges. Also read: WNBA star Brittney Griner, in Russian prison, appeals to Joe Biden for help,Russian news reports quoted Griner as saying through an interpreter at the court hearing that she had acted unintentionally because she was packing in haste. Griner was detained in February at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after vape canisters with cannabis oil allegedly were found in her luggage. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale transportation of drugs. Also read: Who is Brittney Griner?,The trial of the Phoenix Mercury star and two-time Olympic gold medalist began last week amid a growing chorus of calls for Washington to do more to secure her freedom nearly five months after her arrest. Before Thursday’s hearing, Russian police escorted Griner, handcuffed and clad in a bright red T-shirt and sports trousers, into the courtroom past a crowd of journalists. Also read: Seattle Storm star Sue Bird announces 2022 will be her final WNBA season,The athlete was detained in February at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after vape canisters with cannabis oil allegedly were found in her luggage. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale transportation of drugs. Elizabeth Rood, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, told reporters after the hearing that she spoke to Griner in the courtroom and shared a letter from President Joe Biden that she read. “She’s eating well, she’s able to read books and under the circumstances she’s doing well,” Rood said of Griner. Also read: NBA: Top 5 Point Guards heading into the 2021-22 Season,“I would like again to emphasise the commitment of the U.S. government at the very highest level to bring home safely Ms. Griner and all U.S. citizens wrongfully detained as well as the commitment of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to care for and protect the interests of all U.S. citizens detained or imprisoned in Russia,” Rood said. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov bristled at the U.S. description of Briner as “wrongfully detained” and warned that “attempts by the American side to make noise in public ... don’t help the practical settlement of issues.”,The White House said Biden called Griner’s wife on Wednesday to assure her that he’s doing all he can to obtain the athlete’s release, as soon as possible. They spoke after Biden read a letter from Griner in which she said she feared she’d never return home. Washington hasn’t made public its strategy in the case and the United States may have little leverage with Moscow because of strong animosity due to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. The State Department has designated Griner as wrongfully detained, moving her case under the supervision of its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, effectively the government’s chief hostage negotiator.

{\"time\":1657212451472,\"strCount\":3797,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Jailed <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/american/\\\">American</a> basketball star Brittney Griner on Thursday pleaded guilty to drug possession during her trial in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/moscow/\\\">Moscow</a> but said she had no intention of committing a crime.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Representatives for Griner confirmed to The Associated Press that the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/wnba/\\\">WNBA</a> star pleaded guilty to drug possession charges.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/wnba-star-brittney-griner-in-russian-prison-appeals-to-joe-biden-for-help-693902/\\\">WNBA star Brittney Griner, in Russian prison, appeals to Joe Biden for help</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Russian news reports quoted Griner as saying through an interpreter at the court hearing that she had acted unintentionally because she was packing in haste.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner was detained in February at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after vape canisters with cannabis oil allegedly were found in her luggage. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale transportation of drugs.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/usa/who-is-brittney-griner-690769/\\\">Who is Brittney Griner?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The trial of the Phoenix Mercury star and two-time Olympic gold medalist began last week amid a growing chorus of calls for <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/washington/\\\">Washington</a> to do more to secure her freedom nearly five months after her arrest.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Before Thursday’s hearing, Russian police escorted Griner, handcuffed and clad in a bright red T-shirt and sports trousers, into the courtroom past a crowd of journalists.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/seattle-storm-star-sue-bird-announces-2022-will-be-her-final-wnba-season-680723/\\\">Seattle Storm star Sue Bird announces 2022 will be her final WNBA season</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The athlete was detained in February at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after vape canisters with cannabis oil allegedly were found in her luggage. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale transportation of drugs.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Elizabeth Rood, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, told reporters after the hearing that she spoke to Griner in the courtroom and shared a letter from President Joe Biden that she read.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“She’s eating well, she’s able to read books and under the circumstances she’s doing well,” Rood said of Griner.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/nba-top-5-point-guards-heading-into-the-2021-22-season-694080/\\\">NBA: Top 5 Point Guards heading into the 2021-22 Season</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“I would like again to emphasise the commitment of the U.S. government at the very highest level to bring home safely Ms. Griner and all U.S. citizens wrongfully detained as well as the commitment of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to care for and protect the interests of all U.S. citizens detained or imprisoned in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/russia/\\\">Russia</a>,” Rood said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov bristled at the U.S. description of Briner as “wrongfully detained” and warned that “attempts by the American side to make noise in public ... don’t help the practical settlement of issues.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The White House said Biden called Griner’s wife on Wednesday to assure her that he’s doing all he can to obtain the athlete’s release, as soon as possible. They spoke after Biden read a letter from Griner in which she said she feared she’d never return home.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Washington hasn’t made public its strategy in the case and the United States may have little leverage with Moscow because of strong animosity due to Russia’s military actions in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/ukraine/\\\">Ukraine</a>. The State Department has designated Griner as wrongfully detained, moving her case under the supervision of its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, effectively the government’s chief hostage negotiator.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>The WNBA star pleaded guilty to drug possession charges</li>
  <li>She had acted unintentionally because she was packing in haste</li>
  <li>Griner was detained in February at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport</li>
</ul>

Basketball star Brittney Griner appears in court, pleads guilty in Russia drugs trial

Basketball

Deeksha Sharma

American basketball star Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia was extended for the second time by a Russian court on Tuesday. 31-year-old Griner, who was detained in February, will continue to be held in Russian custody till July 2 at the least, according to a report by Russian state media agency TASS. ,Griner was detained back in February near the city of Moscow, when authorities at Sheremetyevo International Airport found vape cartridges containing oil extracted from cannabis in her belongings. ,The Women’s National Basketball Association star, who has been in prison for more than three months, could face a maximum sentence of 10 years over the drug charges. ,Griner’s detention was extended by a month in May. Back then, her lawyer Alexander Boykov had said that the brief period of extension could be a sign that her case would go to trial sooner than expected. ,Also Read: WNBA star Brittney Griner's arrest extended until May 19 by Russian court,Now, her detention includes an additional 18 days due to “the request of the investigation,” a Khimki Court representative informed TASS. Earlier today, the US State Department said that Griner’s Phoenix Mercury teammates had met with officials in order to discuss her release. Her teammates, along with several other WNBA players, have urged US President Joe Biden on social media to help in the case. A few weeks ago, the Biden administration stated that Griner had been “wrongfully detained by the Russian government, according to a report by Metro. Also Read: US demands Russia allow access to detained WNBA star Brittney Griner,A few players have also been able to remain in contact with Griner via an account set up by her agent. The US State Department’s move comes after Marine veteran Trevor Reed was released from Russia through a prisoner swap.

{\"time\":1655235615176,\"strCount\":2987,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/american/\\\">American</a> basketball star <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/wnba-brittney-griner-in-russian-prison-on-drug-charges-granted-consular-access-319346/\\\">Brittney Griner</a>’s detention in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/russia/\\\">Russia</a> was extended for the second time by a Russian court on Tuesday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"31-year-old Griner, who was detained in February, will continue to be held in Russian custody till July 2 at the least, according to a report by Russian state media agency TASS.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner was detained back in February near the city of <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/moscow/\\\">Moscow</a>, when authorities at Sheremetyevo International Airport found vape cartridges containing oil extracted from cannabis in her belongings.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Women’s National Basketball Association star, who has been in prison for more than three months, could face a maximum sentence of 10 years over the drug charges.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner’s detention was extended by a month in May. Back then, her lawyer Alexander Boykov had said that the brief period of extension could be a sign that her case would go to trial sooner than expected.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/usa/wnba-star-brittney-griners-arrest-extended-until-may-19-by-russian-court-534356/\\\">WNBA star Brittney Griner's arrest extended until May 19 by Russian court</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Now, her detention includes an additional 18 days due to “the request of the investigation,” a Khimki Court representative informed TASS.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Earlier today, the&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/moscow-may-start-to-detain-americans-state-department-warns-295806/\\\">US State Department</a>&nbsp;said that&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/wnbas-brittney-griner-in-russian-prison-gets-support-from-us-teammates-352646/\\\">Griner</a>’s&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/phoenix-mercury-to-open-wnba-season-with-brittney-griner-detained-in-russia-236833/\\\">Phoenix Mercury</a>&nbsp;teammates had met with officials in order to discuss her release. Her teammates, along with several other&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/wnba/\\\">WNBA</a>&nbsp;players, have urged&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/us/\\\">US</a>&nbsp;President Joe Biden on social media to help in the case.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A few weeks ago, the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/biden/\\\">Biden</a> administration stated that Griner had been “wrongfully detained by the Russian government,\\\" according to a report by <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/metro/\\\">Metro</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/us-demands-russia-allow-access-to-detained-wnba-star-brittney-griner-118074/\\\">US demands Russia allow access to detained WNBA star Brittney Griner</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A few players have also been able to remain in contact with Griner via an account set up by her agent.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The US State Department’s move comes after Marine veteran <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/usa/former-us-marine-trevor-reed-released-from-russian-custody-confirms-joe-biden-585171/\\\">Trevor Reed</a> was released from Russia through a prisoner swap.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Russia extended Griner's detention on Tuesday</li>
  <li>The WNBA star was detained in February</li>
  <li>She will be held in Russian custody till July 2 at the least</li>
</ul>

WNBA star Brittney Griner's drug-related detention in Russia extended

Phoenix, AZ, USA

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Mercury open the season at home Friday night against the Las Vegas Aces. One player who won't be on the bench will be prominently on everyone's minds: Brittney Griner. As the Mercury and the rest of the WNBA move forward into the 2022 season, Griner is nearing the three-month mark of her detention in Russia, with no timetable for her release. “We all have concern for the situation, something that normally would be handled a lot quicker,” Washington coach Mike Thibault said before the Mystics played the Indiana Fever on Friday night. ”(It) certainly hasn’t been and I think everybody sees what’s happening. She’s in everybody’s thoughts.”,Also read | NBA: Phoenix Suns blow past Dallas Mavericks as Paul makes another stellar fourth,Griner was detained on Feb. 17 after authorities at the Moscow airport said they found vape cartridges that allegedly contained oil derived from cannabis in her luggage, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The Biden administration determined Griner is being wrongfully detained and she has a hearing set for May 19. The WNBA will honor Griner with a floor decal with her initials on her No. 42 in arenas across the league as she continues to be detained. “We’re just showing that support in ways that we think not only have visibility and utilize the platform that we have, but also in a respectful way that helps advance the cause of having this person that we care about deeply — and is being detained unjustly — to keep her name and her situation forefront in people’s minds so that hopefully the day comes soon when she’s released and can come back home safely to her family, Fever coach Marianne Stanley said. A 6-foot-9 center, Griner and WNBA career leading scorer Diana Taurasi have been the key cogs for a Mercury franchise that won the 2014 WNBA title and reached the final last season, losing to the Chicago Sky. Griner is a six-time All-Star and won consecutive WNBA Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2014-15. She had one of the best seasons of her nine-year WNBA career in 2021, leading the WNBA in blocked shots while finishing second in scoring and sixth in rebounding. Also read | NBA: Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler lead Miami Heat past Philadelphia 119-103,Griner again was expected to play a key role for the Mercury this season after the team bolstered its roster with the additions of Tina Charles and Diamond DeShields. Now Phoenix must adjust to playing without Griner. “Once you bounce the ball, you start blowing the whistle, that’s all you’re really focused on when you’re a competitor,” Mercury first-year coach Vanessa Nygaard said. “In basketball, at any time, somebody could be injured or something could happen and they wouldn’t be available, and you got to fight with what you got in the moment.

{\"time\":1651882565873,\"strCount\":3567,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"PHOENIX (AP) — The <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/phoenixmercury/\\\">Phoenix Mercury</a> open the season at home Friday night against the Las Vegas Aces. One player who won't be on the bench will be prominently on everyone's minds: <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/wnbas-brittney-griner-arrested-in-russia-on-drug-charges-643441/\\\">Brittney Griner</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"As the Mercury and the rest of the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/wnba/\\\">WNBA</a> move forward into the 2022 season, Griner is nearing the three-month mark of her detention in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/russia/\\\">Russia</a>, with no timetable for her release.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“We all have concern for the situation, something that normally would be handled a lot quicker,” <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/washington/\\\">Washington</a> coach Mike Thibault said before the Mystics played the Indiana Fever on Friday night. ”(It) certainly hasn’t been and I think everybody sees what’s happening. She’s in everybody’s thoughts.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/usa/nba-phoenix-suns-blow-past-dallas-mavericks-as-paul-makes-another-stellar-fourth-474203/\\\">NBA: Phoenix Suns blow past Dallas Mavericks as Paul makes another stellar fourth</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner was detained on Feb. 17 after authorities at the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/moscow/\\\">Moscow</a> airport said they found vape cartridges that allegedly contained oil derived from cannabis in her luggage, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/joebiden/\\\">Biden</a> administration determined Griner is being wrongfully detained and she has a <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/usa/wnba-star-brittney-griners-arrest-extended-until-may-19-by-russian-court-534356/\\\">hearing set for May 19</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The WNBA will honor Griner with a floor decal with her initials on her No. 42 in arenas across the league as she continues to be detained.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“We’re just showing that support in ways that we think not only have visibility and utilize the platform that we have, but also in a respectful way that helps advance the cause of having this person that we care about deeply — and is being detained unjustly — to keep her name and her situation forefront in people’s minds so that hopefully the day comes soon when she’s released and can come back home safely to her family,\\\" Fever coach Marianne Stanley said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A 6-foot-9 center, Griner and WNBA career leading scorer Diana Taurasi have been the key cogs for a Mercury franchise that won the 2014 WNBA title and reached the final last season, losing to the Chicago Sky.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner is a six-time All-Star and won consecutive WNBA Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2014-15. She had one of the best seasons of her nine-year WNBA career in 2021, leading the WNBA in blocked shots while finishing second in scoring and sixth in rebounding.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also read |&nbsp;</b><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/nba-bam-adebayo-jimmy-butler-lead-miami-heat-past-philadelphia-119-103-426382/\\\">NBA: Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler lead Miami Heat past Philadelphia 119-103</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner again was expected to play a key role for the Mercury this season after the team bolstered its roster with the additions of Tina Charles and Diamond DeShields.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Now Phoenix must adjust to playing without Griner.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“Once you bounce the ball, you start blowing the whistle, that’s all you’re really focused on when you’re a competitor,” Mercury first-year coach Vanessa Nygaard said. “In basketball, at any time, somebody could be injured or something could happen and they wouldn’t be available, and you got to fight with what you got in the moment.\\\"\"}}]}

Shiladitya Ray

<ul>
  <li>Phoenix Mercury will open the WNBA season on Friday against Las Vegas Aces</li>
  <li>They will be without star player and six-time All Star Brittney Griner</li>
  <li>Griner was detained in Russia in February on drug charges</li>
</ul>

Phoenix Mercury to open WNBA season with Brittney Griner detained in Russia

Europe

The United States stepped up its push Friday for consular access to Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who is detained in Russia on allegations of drug smuggling, as a member of a Russian state-backed prison monitoring group said Griner was faring well behind bars. Ekaterina Kalugina told The Associated Press on Friday that she visited Griner on Monday at the pretrial detention facility outside of Moscow where she’s being held and spoke to her with the help of a cellmate who speaks Russian and English and served as an interpreter. “Her physical condition is fine, she’s holding up fine, and I’d even say that she is fairly calm and isn’t anxious,” Kalugina said of the Phoenix Mercury star, whose legal ordeal comes amid tension between Russia and the U.S. over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kalugina is a member of the public monitoring commission that visits lockups in that part of Russia. Such commissions, which operate throughout the country, position themselves as independent but rarely challenge Russian authorities on major issues. Griner's lawyers have been visiting her regularly and have brought her care packages that include food and personal items, but she hadn't met with a U.S. consul yet, Kalugina said. The State Department issued a statement Friday demanding access to Griner, who plays professionally in Russia during the WNBA offseason. “We are closely engaged on this case and in frequent contact with Brittney Griner’s legal team. We insist the Russian government provide consular access to all U.S. citizen detainees in Russia, including those in pre-trial detention, as Brittney Griner is, it said. “We have repeatedly asked for consular access to these detainees and have consistently been denied access, it added. Griner was detained after arriving at a Moscow airport, reportedly in mid-February, after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges that allegedly contained oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Russian state news agency Tass reported Thursday that a court had extended Griner's pretrial detention to May 19. Kalugina said that when she met with Griner, Griner made no complaints about her treatment at the facility and said she was getting an hour a day to spend in an exercise yard. Kalugina said Griner is being held at the facility where an Israeli woman, Naama Issachar, spent time before Russian President Vladimir Putin pardoned her in 2020. Russian authorities said they found hashish in Issachar’s luggage while she was transferring between flights in Moscow en route from India to Israel, at the same airport where Griner was detained. Issachar was convicted and sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison before she was freed after spending nine months behind bars. Griner’s legal team has been quietly seeking her release and has declined to speak out about the case since her arrest was made public earlier this month. Of the thousands of U.S. citizens arrested and jailed in prisons abroad, a small subset are designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained — a category that affords their cases an extra level of government attention and places them under the auspices of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the State Department. The U.S. government has not yet put Griner's case in that category. Griner is not the only American detained in Russia. Marine veteran Trevor Reed was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2020 on charges alleging that he assaulted police officers in Moscow. And Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan is serving a 16-year sentence on espionage charges that his family and the U.S. government have said are false. U.S. officials have publicly called for Moscow to release them.

{\"time\":1647630880440,\"strCount\":4239,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The United States stepped up its push Friday for consular access to <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/wnbas-brittney-griner-arrested-in-russia-on-drug-charges-643441/\\\">Brittney Griner</a>, the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/wnba/\\\">WNBA</a> star who is detained in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/russia/\\\">Russia</a> on allegations of drug smuggling, as a member of a Russian state-backed prison monitoring group said Griner was faring well behind bars.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Ekaterina Kalugina told The Associated Press on Friday that she visited Griner on Monday at the pretrial detention facility outside of <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/moscow/\\\">Moscow</a> where she’s being held and spoke to her with the help of a cellmate who speaks Russian and English and served as an interpreter.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“Her physical condition is fine, she’s holding up fine, and I’d even say that she is fairly calm and isn’t anxious,” Kalugina said of the Phoenix Mercury star, whose legal ordeal comes amid tension between Russia and the U.S. over Russia’s invasion of <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/ukraine/\\\">Ukraine</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Kalugina is a member of the public monitoring commission that visits lockups in that part of Russia. Such commissions, which operate throughout the country, position themselves as independent but rarely challenge Russian authorities on major issues.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner's lawyers have been visiting her regularly and have brought her care packages that include food and personal items, but she hadn't met with a U.S. consul yet, Kalugina said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The State Department issued a statement Friday demanding access to Griner, who plays professionally in Russia during the WNBA offseason.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“We are closely engaged on this case and in frequent contact with Brittney Griner’s legal team. We insist the Russian government provide consular access to all U.S. citizen detainees in Russia, including those in pre-trial detention, as Brittney Griner is,\\\" it said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“We have repeatedly asked for consular access to these detainees and have consistently been denied access,\\\" it added.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner was detained after arriving at a Moscow airport, reportedly in mid-February, after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges that allegedly contained oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Russian state news agency Tass reported Thursday that a court had extended Griner's pretrial detention to May 19.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Kalugina said that when she met with Griner, Griner made no complaints about her treatment at the facility and said she was getting an hour a day to spend in an exercise yard.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Kalugina said Griner is being held at the facility where an Israeli woman, Naama Issachar, spent time before Russian President Vladimir Putin pardoned her in 2020. Russian authorities said they found hashish in Issachar’s luggage while she was transferring between flights in Moscow en route from <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/india/\\\">India</a> to <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/israel/\\\">Israel</a>, at the same airport where Griner was detained. Issachar was convicted and sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison before she was freed after spending nine months behind bars.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner’s legal team has been quietly seeking her release and has declined to speak out about the case since her arrest was made public earlier this month.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Of the thousands of U.S. citizens arrested and jailed in prisons abroad, a small subset are designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained — a category that affords their cases an extra level of government attention and places them under the auspices of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the State Department. The U.S. government has not yet put Griner's case in that category.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner is not the only <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/american/\\\">American</a> detained in Russia. Marine veteran Trevor Reed was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2020 on charges alleging that he assaulted police officers in Moscow. And <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/michigan/\\\">Michigan</a> corporate security executive Paul Whelan is serving a 16-year sentence on espionage charges that his family and the U.S. government have said are false. U.S. officials have publicly called for Moscow to release them.\"}}]}

Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan

<ul>
  <li>Brittney Griner is detained in Russia on allegations of drug smuggling</li>
  <li>The United States stepped up its push Friday for consular access to her</li>
  <li>Griner's lawyers have been visiting her regularly</li>
</ul>

US demands Russia allow access to detained WNBA star Brittney Griner

DrugAbuse

India

Israel

Michigan

Asia

WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner was arrested last month at a Moscow airport after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges. Also read: Civilian evacuation in 2 Ukraine cities 'unlikely' after ceasefire violation,The Russian Customs Service said Saturday that the cartridges were identified as containing oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The customs service identified the person arrested as a player for the U.S. women's team and did not specify the date of her arrest. Russian media reported the player was Griner, and her agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, did not dispute those reports. Also read: Amid invasion, charities struggle to provide philanthropic aid in Ukraine,“We are aware of the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia and are in close contact with her, her legal representation in Russia, her family, her teams, and the WNBA and NBA,” Kagawa Colas said Saturday. “As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are not able to comment further on the specifics of her case but can confirm that as we work to get her home, her mental and physical health remain our primary concern.”,On Saturday, the State Department issued a “do not travel” advisory for Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine and urged all U.S. citizens to depart immediately, citing factors including “the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials” and “the Embassy’s limited ability to assist” Americans in Russia. Also read: Vladimir Putin warns world of 'colossal' consequences if no-fly zone imposed,Griner, who plays for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, has played in Russia for the last seven years in the winter, earning over $1 million per season — more than quadruple her WNBA salary. She last played for her Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg on Jan. 29 before the league took a two-week break in early February for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments. More than a dozen WNBA players were playing in Russia and Ukraine this winter, including league MVP Jonquel Jones and Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley of the champion Chicago Sky. The WNBA confirmed Saturday that all players besides Griner had left both countries. Also read: SpaceX to focus on cyber defence after Starlink satellites jammed over Ukraine,The 31-year-old Griner has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. a WNBA championship with the Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star. “Brittney Griner has the WNBA's full support and our main priority is her swift and safe return to the United States,” the league said in a statement.

{\"time\":1646503615599,\"strCount\":3756,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/wnba/\\\">WNBA</a> All-Star Brittney Griner was arrested last month at a <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/vladimir-putin-warns-world-of-colossal-consequences-if-no-fly-zone-imposed-239844/\\\">Moscow</a> airport after <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/india/russia-blames-ukraine-for-holding-foreign-nationals-plans-evacuation-208246/\\\">Russian authorities</a> said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/civilian-evacuation-in-ukraines-mariupol-volnovakha-unlikely-red-cross-after-russia-ceasefire-violation-277393/\\\">Civilian evacuation in 2 Ukraine cities 'unlikely' after ceasefire violation</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Russian Customs Service said Saturday that the cartridges were identified as containing oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The customs service identified the person arrested as a player for the U.S. women's team and did not specify the date of her arrest. <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/technology/elon-musk-wont-block-russian-news-sources-unless-at-gunpoint-464764/\\\">Russian media</a> reported the player was Griner, and her agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, did not dispute those reports.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/business/amid-invasion-charities-struggle-to-provide-philanthropic-aid-in-ukraine-163436/\\\">Amid invasion, charities struggle to provide philanthropic aid in Ukraine</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“We are aware of the situation with Brittney Griner in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/russia/\\\">Russia</a> and are in close contact with her, her legal representation in Russia, her family, her teams, and the WNBA and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/nba/\\\">NBA</a>,” Kagawa Colas said Saturday. “As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are not able to comment further on the specifics of her case but can confirm that as we work to get her home, her mental and physical health remain our primary concern.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"On Saturday, the State Department issued a “do not travel” advisory for Russia because of its invasion of <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/ukraine/\\\">Ukraine</a> and urged all U.S. citizens to depart immediately, citing factors including “the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials” and “the Embassy’s limited ability to assist” Americans in Russia.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/vladimir-putin-warns-world-of-colossal-consequences-if-no-fly-zone-imposed-239844/\\\">Vladimir Putin warns world of 'colossal' consequences if no-fly zone imposed</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner, who plays for the WNBA's Phoenix <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/mercury/\\\">Mercury</a>, has played in Russia for the last seven years in the winter, earning over $1 million per season — more than quadruple her WNBA salary. She last played for her Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg on Jan. 29 before the league took a two-week break in early February for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"More than a dozen WNBA players were playing in Russia and Ukraine this winter, including league MVP Jonquel Jones and Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley of the champion <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/chicago/\\\">Chicago</a> Sky. The WNBA confirmed Saturday that all players besides Griner had left both countries.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/technology/spacex-to-focus-on-cyber-defence-after-starlink-satellites-jammed-over-ukraine-131486/\\\">SpaceX to focus on cyber defence after Starlink satellites jammed over Ukraine</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 31-year-old Griner has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“Brittney Griner has the WNBA's full support and our main priority is her swift and safe return to the United States,” the league said in a statement.\"}}]}

Sucharita Ganguly

<ul>
  <li>WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner was arrested last month at a Moscow airport</li>
  <li>Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges</li>
  <li>The Russian Customs Service said Saturday that the cartridges were identified as containing oil derived from cannabis</li>
</ul>

WNBA's Brittney Griner arrested in Russia on drug charges

drugs

Chicago

mercury

Kartik Chawla

United States

Chicago Sky defeated the Phoenix Mercury 80-74 to win their first-ever WNBA title on Sunday. The Sky overcame a 14-point deficit in securing their first ring. ,Fans and celebrities could not hold back but celebrate the team’s victory on social media. Also Read: WNBA 2021 Finals: Chicago Sky clinches Game 4, win first championship,Former US President Barack Obama came forward to express delight and cherish the team’s hard work. He tweeted, “Congrats to our new WNBA champs, @ChicagoSky! I couldn’t be prouder of this team — they worked hard for this moment, and have made our city proud.”,Lori Lightfoot, Mayor of Chicago tweeted, “What a moment. Congrats champs! Party popper. A first but not the last for @chicagosky”,Actress Gabrielle Union described her ecstasy, “I started crying around the 2 min mark and the tears of joy are still flowing! Man, I'm SO DAMN HAPPY for @Candace_Parker and the @chicagosky EPIC series #WNBAFinals”,NBA players also rejoiced Chicago Sky’s championship. Also Read: Basketball star Candace Parker to be the first woman on NBA 2k cover,Golden State Warriors’ player Stephen Curry wrote, “Congrats @Candace_Parker and the @chicagosky that was fun to watch!!!”,Candace Parker, the MVP, came a full circle by returning to her former team after more than a decade with the Los Angeles Sparks. Her impact in the Chicago Sky’s campaign became one of the key topics for discussion on social media. Also Read: WNBA honours top-25 women basketball players of all time,“What an amazing finale to the WNBA Finals. Great comeback game (and series) for the Chicago Skye. Candice Parker was great down the stretch!” a user stated. Another added,” It sucks The Mercury didn't win the WNBA title. But if you're a basketball fan you GOTTA be hype for Candice Parker. Such a cool story. She been a certified baller! SALUTE! #WNBAFinals”,According to Associated Press sources, Parker had been dubbed the Sky's missing piece during the playoffs, a description she proved accurate numerous times during Chicago's incredible run to the championship as a six-seed.

{\"time\":1634517674457,\"strCount\":2611,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/chicagosky/\\\">Chicago Sky</a> defeated\\nthe <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/phoenixmercury/\\\">Phoenix Mercury</a> 80-74 to win their first-ever <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/wnba/\\\">WNBA</a> title on Sunday. The Sky\\novercame a 14-point deficit in securing their first ring. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Fans and\\ncelebrities could not hold back but celebrate the team’s victory on social media.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/wnba-2021-finals-chicago-sky-clinches-game-4-wins-first-championship-633508/\\\">WNBA 2021 Finals: Chicago Sky clinches Game 4, win first championship</a></b>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Former US\\nPresident <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/barackobama/\\\">Barack Obama</a> came forward to express delight and cherish the team’s hard\\nwork. He tweeted, “Congrats to our new WNBA champs, @ChicagoSky! I couldn’t be\\nprouder of this team — they worked hard for this moment, and have made our city\\nproud.”\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"twitter\",\"source\":\"https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1449869175711838213\",\"embed\":\"BarackObama/status/1449869175711838213\",\"width\":520,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":173.33333333333334}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Lori Lightfoot, Mayor of Chicago tweeted, “What a moment. Congrats champs!\\nParty popper. A first but not the last for @chicagosky”\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"twitter\",\"source\":\"https://twitter.com/chicagosmayor/status/1449848861057376256\",\"embed\":\"chicagosmayor/status/1449848861057376256\",\"width\":520,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":173.33333333333334}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Actress Gabrielle\\nUnion described her ecstasy, “I started crying around the 2 min mark and the\\ntears of joy are still flowing! Man, I'm SO DAMN HAPPY for @Candace_Parker and\\nthe @chicagosky EPIC series #WNBAFinals”\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"twitter\",\"source\":\"https://twitter.com/itsgabrielleu/status/1449847585489969158\",\"embed\":\"itsgabrielleu/status/1449847585489969158\",\"width\":520,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":173.33333333333334}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"NBA players also\\nrejoiced Chicago Sky’s championship.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/basketball-star-candace-parker-to-be-the-first-woman-on-nba-2k-cover-467390/\\\">Basketball star Candace Parker to be the first woman on NBA 2k cover</a></b>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Golden State\\nWarriors’ player Stephen Curry wrote, “Congrats @Candace_Parker and the\\n@chicagosky that was fun to watch!!!”\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"twitter\",\"source\":\"https://twitter.com/StephenCurry30/status/1449851679487107073\",\"embed\":\"StephenCurry30/status/1449851679487107073\",\"width\":520,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":173.33333333333334}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Candace Parker, the\\nMVP, came&nbsp;a full circle by returning to her former team after more than a\\ndecade with the Los Angeles Sparks. Her impact in the Chicago Sky’s campaign\\nbecame one of the key topics for discussion on social media.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/usa/wnba-honours-top-25-women-basketball-players-of-all-time-607989/\\\">WNBA honours top-25 women basketball players of all time</a></b>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“What an amazing\\nfinale to the WNBA Finals. Great comeback game (and series) for the Chicago\\nSkye. Candice Parker was great down the stretch!” a user stated.\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"twitter\",\"source\":\"https://twitter.com/m_kasaan/status/1449848171488763904\",\"embed\":\"m_kasaan/status/1449848171488763904\",\"width\":520,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":173.33333333333334}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Another added,” It\\nsucks The Mercury didn't win the WNBA title. But if you're a basketball fan you\\nGOTTA be hype for Candice Parker. Such a cool story. She been a certified\\nballer! SALUTE! #WNBAFinals”\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"twitter\",\"source\":\"https://twitter.com/qwalterB/status/1449883685096919048\",\"embed\":\"qwalterB/status/1449883685096919048\",\"width\":520,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":173.33333333333334}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"According to\\nAssociated Press sources, Parker had been dubbed the Sky's \\\"missing\\npiece\\\" during the playoffs, a description she proved&nbsp;accurate\\nnumerous times during Chicago's incredible run to the championship as a\\nsix-seed.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Chicago Sky defeated the Phoenix Mercury 80-74</li>
  <li>Fans and celebrities applauded team's victory on social media</li>
  <li>Impact of Candace Parker's return was widely discussed</li>
</ul>

WNBA: Social Media celebrates Chicago Sky's first ever championship

ChicagoSky

CandaceParker

StephenCurry

BarackObama

Aman Butani

Chicago Sky registered their first WNBA Championship title on Sunday after going past Phoenix Mercury, who managed to keep the game as a close call. The game ended with a tally of 80-74 on the scoreboard. Led by the efforts of two-time league MVP Candace Parker and All-Star player Kahleah Copper, Chicago Sky managed to tip the scales of the high-stakes game in their favour after a quarter four push. Also Read: WNBA honours top-25 women basketball players of all time,Allie Quigley scored 26 points and Candace Parker added 16 points, 13 rebounds and five assists to help Chicago win its first WNBA championship with a 80-74 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday. Courtney Vandersloot added 10 points and 15 assists for the Sky, who won the series 3-1, rallying from a 72-65 deficit with 4:42 left. Chicago scored the next nine points to take a two-point lead on Stefanie Dolson's layup. She then added another basket to make it 76-72 with 45.8 seconds left, according to reports from Associated Press. MVP Candace Parker came a full circle after returning to her original team after more than a decade of being associated with the Los Angeles team. According to reports from Associated Press, Parker had been continually called the Sky’s missing piece throughout the playoffs, a label she proved accurate many times during Chicago’s stunning run, winning the title as a six-seed. Also Read: Vanessa Bryant hits back at LA County's demand for psychiatric evaluation,A defensive strategy seemed to take over the court after the first quarter of Sunday's game as Diana Taurasi and Sky forward Kahleah Copper were served with technical fouls within a span of 50 seconds. ,The Sky drew a sell-out crowd despite the Chicago Bears hosting the rival Green Bay Packers just down the street at Soldier Field. Chance the Rapper was once again in attendance to support his hometown team. (With AP inputs)

{\"time\":1634507564882,\"strCount\":2754,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Chicago Sky registered their first <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/wnba-phoenix-mercury-look-to-repeat-2014-final-win-against-chicago-sky?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">WNBA Championship</a> title on Sunday after going past Phoenix Mercury, who managed to keep the game as a close call. The game ended with a tally of 80-74 on the scoreboard.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Led by the efforts of two-time league <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/basketball-star-candace-parker-to-be-the-first-woman-on-nba-2k-cover?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">MVP Candace Parker</a> and All-Star player Kahleah Copper, Chicago Sky managed to tip the scales of the high-stakes game in their favour after a quarter four push.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/wnba-honours-top-25-women-basketball-players-of-all-time?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">WNBA honours top-25 women basketball players of all time</a></b>\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"others\",\"source\":\"<div class=\\\"others-embed\\\"><blockquote class=\\\"twitter-tweet\\\"><p lang=\\\"en\\\" dir=\\\"ltr\\\">? CHAMPIONS ?<br> <br>For the first time in franchise history, the <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/chicagosky?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">@chicagosky</a> are <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNBA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">#WNBA</a> champs!<a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNBAFinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">#WNBAFinals</a> presented by <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/YouTubeTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">@YouTubeTV</a> <a href=\\\"https://t.co/XxHAGlnW4D\\\">pic.twitter.com/XxHAGlnW4D</a></p>&mdash; WNBA (@WNBA) <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1449846347641786375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">October 17, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src=\\\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\\\" charset=\\\"utf-8\\\"></script></div>\",\"embed\":\"<div class=\\\"others-embed\\\"><blockquote class=\\\"twitter-tweet\\\"><p lang=\\\"en\\\" dir=\\\"ltr\\\">? CHAMPIONS ?<br> <br>For the first time in franchise history, the <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/chicagosky?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">@chicagosky</a> are <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNBA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">#WNBA</a> champs!<a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNBAFinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">#WNBAFinals</a> presented by <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/YouTubeTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">@YouTubeTV</a> <a href=\\\"https://t.co/XxHAGlnW4D\\\">pic.twitter.com/XxHAGlnW4D</a></p>&mdash; WNBA (@WNBA) <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1449846347641786375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">October 17, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src=\\\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\\\" charset=\\\"utf-8\\\"></script></div>\",\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":null}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Allie Quigley scored 26 points and Candace Parker added 16 points, 13 rebounds and five assists to help Chicago win its first WNBA championship with a 80-74 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Courtney Vandersloot added 10 points and 15 assists for the Sky, who won the series 3-1, rallying from a 72-65 deficit with 4:42 left. Chicago scored the next nine points to take a two-point lead on Stefanie Dolson's layup. She then added another basket to make it 76-72 with 45.8 seconds left, according to reports from Associated Press.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/basketball-star-candace-parker-to-be-the-first-woman-on-nba-2k-cover?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">MVP Candace Parker</a> came a full circle after returning to her original team after more than a decade of being associated with the Los Angeles team. According to reports from Associated Press, Parker had been continually called the Sky’s missing piece throughout the playoffs, a label she proved accurate many times during Chicago’s stunning run, winning the title as a six-seed.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/vanessa-bryant-hits-back-at-la-countys-demand-for-psychiatric-evaluation?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Vanessa Bryant hits back at LA County's demand for psychiatric evaluation</a></b>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A defensive strategy seemed to take over the court after the first quarter of Sunday's game as&nbsp;Diana Taurasi&nbsp;and Sky forward Kahleah Copper were served with technical fouls within a span of 50 seconds.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Sky drew a sell-out crowd despite the Chicago Bears hosting the rival Green Bay Packers just down the street at Soldier Field. Chance the Rapper was once again in attendance to support his hometown team.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"(With AP inputs)\"}}]}

Sayantan Guha

<ul>
  <li>Allie Quigley scored 26 points and Candace Parker added 16 points</li>
  <li>Sky rallied from a 72-65 deficit with nearly 5 minutes left</li>
  <li>Chicago Sky won the final with a score of 3-1</li>
</ul>

WNBA 2021 Finals: Chicago Sky clinches Game 4, win first championship

Yash Bajaj

Chicago, IL, USA

The Chicago Sky defeated the Phoenix Mercury 86-50 in Game 3 of the WNBA finals on Friday night at the Wintrust Arena. With the win, Chicago have taken a 2-1 lead in the series and are one win away from sealing the championship. ,For Sky, forward Kahleah Copper top-scored with 22 points that included a rebound. Twenty of her points came in the first half. Meanwhile, Candace Parker finished with 13 points in 24 minutes with four rebounds and three assists. Courtney Vandersloot had 10 assists . ,Also read: NBA 2021-22: How the East Conference looks stronger than before,Chicago's 36-point win is the largest in WNBA Finals history. ,The Mercury shot just 25.8% after opening the game 5 for 24 with seven turnovers. They shot just 25% from three-point range. Brittney Griner topped their charts with 16 points. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix's hero is Game 2 overtime win, finished with seven points. ,The game saw Mercury post the lowest single-game shooting percentage in Finals history. ,Ahead of the Game 3, Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot was named to the All-WNBA second team for the third time in her career. She was coming with 20 points and 14 assists in Game 2. In Friday night's game, Vandersloot set an all-time single postseason record with 87 assists for 2021. She scored four points. ,Also read: NBA 2021-22: How Western Conference may stack up this season?,I was telling my team I'm 0-for-2 in Game 4 closeout at home. I don't want that to continue. We know that they're a fantastic team and they're gonna come in and they're gonna be ready. They're gonna get rest and they're gonna come back stronger. We got to do our part. We're gonna enjoy it today and then back to business tomorrow, Sky forward Candace Parker said, as per NBC Chicago. ,Mercury were coming from a stunning 91-86 win in Game 2. But this loss might dent their hopes for the 2021 championship. ,Game 4 will be played on Sunday at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix.

{\"time\":1634359128153,\"strCount\":2679,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/chicagosky/\\\"> Chicago Sky</a> defeated the&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/phoenixmercury/\\\">Phoenix Mercury</a> 86-50 in Game 3 of the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/wnba/\\\">WNBA </a>finals on Friday night at the Wintrust Arena. With the win, Chicago have taken a 2-1 lead in the series and are one win away from sealing the championship.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"For Sky, forward Kahleah Copper top-scored with 22 points that included a rebound. Twenty of her points came in the first half. Meanwhile,&nbsp;Candace Parker finished with 13 points in 24 minutes with four rebounds and three assists. Courtney Vandersloot had 10 assists .&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-2021-22-how-the-east-conference-looks-stronger-than-before?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">NBA 2021-22: How the East Conference looks stronger than before</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Chicago's 36-point win is the largest in WNBA Finals history.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Mercury shot just 25.8% after opening the game 5 for 24 with seven turnovers. They shot just 25% from three-point range. Brittney Griner topped their charts with 16 points. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix's hero is Game 2 overtime win, finished with seven points.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The game saw Mercury post the lowest single-game shooting percentage in Finals history.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Ahead of the Game 3,&nbsp;Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot&nbsp;was named to the All-WNBA second team for the third time in her career. She was coming with&nbsp;20 points and 14 assists in Game 2.&nbsp;In Friday night's game, Vandersloot set an all-time single postseason record with 87 assists for 2021. She scored four points.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-2021-22-how-western-conference-may-stack-up-this-season?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">NBA 2021-22: How Western Conference may stack up this season?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"I was telling my team I'm 0-for-2 in Game 4 closeout at home. I don't want that to continue. We know that they're a fantastic team and they're gonna come in and they're gonna be ready. They're gonna get rest and they're gonna come back stronger. We got to do our part. We're gonna enjoy it today and then back to business tomorrow,\\\" Sky forward Candace Parker said, as per NBC Chicago.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Mercury were coming from a<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/wnba-finals-2021-phoenix-suns-defeat-chicago-sky-in-game-2-series-tied-at-1-1?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\"> stunning 91-86 win</a> in Game 2. But this loss might dent their hopes for the 2021 championship.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Game 4 will be played on Sunday at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix.&nbsp;\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Chicago Sky beat Phoenix Mercury 86-50</li>
  <li>Forward Kahleah Copper top-scored for SKy with 22 points</li>
  <li>Chicago's 36-point win is the largest in WNBA Finals history</li>
</ul>

WNBA 2021 finals: Chicago Sky beat Phoenix Mercury to clinch Game 3

Riding on Brittney Griner's 29 points, the Phoenix Mercury came roaring back into the WNBA finals series to seal Game 2 91-86 against Chicago Sky on Wednesday. The series is tied at 1-1. ,The score was 79-79 when the fourth quarter finished at the Footprint Center, Phoenix. In the five minutes of overtime, Mercury's Diana Taurasi scored eight of her 20 game points as the home team added 12 against Chicago's seven. ,Also read: How Brooklyn Nets could line up without star Kyrie Irving,Taurasi opened overtime with a four-point play and added a 3-pointer that put Phoenix up 89-86 with 1:24 left. She then came up with a huge defensive play, getting a steal with 36 seconds left. Skylar Diggins-Smith, who had 13 points and 12 assists, sealed it on a layup with 12.8 seconds left. Vandersloot led the Sky with 20 points and 14 assists. Allie Quigley added 19 points. Griner kept the Mercury within reach of Chicago during a sluggish start and brought the Phoenix Suns players sitting courtside to their feet with her second career playoff dunk in the first quarter. She scored on a turnaround jump to help give Phoenix a late four-point lead in regulation, but just missed blocking Courtney Vandersloot's tying layup with 4.4 seconds left. Game 3 is Friday in Chicago. Phoenix was without guards Kia Nurse (torn ACL) and Sophie Cunningham (calf), and had to play two days after clinching its semifinal series in Las Vegas. The Mercury had more prep time and Cunningham back in the lineup after missing three games, but was disjointed early. Also read: World Cup qualifiers: US scripts come from behind win against Costa Rica,Chicago, one of the WNBA's top offensive teams, was at its free-flowing best, its crisp passing setting up open looks. The Sky knocked 'em down early, hitting 7 of their first 12 shots to take an early nine-point lead. Phoenix went to Griner early and often. The 6-foot-9 center delivered with an early dunk after the Sky inexplicably left her alone in the lane, bringing the Suns players to their feet, and had 14 points by halftime. Cunningham hit a pair of 3-pointers to bring the Mercury back from the early deficit and hit another after a wicked crossover to help Phoenix pull even at 40-all at halftime. Chicago revved up its offense again to start the third quarter, building a seven-point lead. Phoenix countered by getting the ball back in to Griner to help the Mercury surge back into the lead in the fourth quarter. With inputs from the Associated Press

{\"time\":1634183316788,\"strCount\":2988,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Riding on Brittney Griner's 29 points, the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/phoenixmercury/\\\">Phoenix Mercury</a> came roaring back into the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/wnba/\\\">WNBA </a>finals series to seal Game 2 91-86 against <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/chicagosky/\\\">Chicago Sky</a> on Wednesday. The series is tied at 1-1.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The score was 79-79 when the fourth quarter finished at the&nbsp;Footprint Center, Phoenix. In the five minutes of overtime, Mercury's Diana Taurasi scored eight of her 20 game points as the home team added 12 against Chicago's seven.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/how-brooklyn-nets-could-line-up-without-star-kyrie-irving?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">How Brooklyn Nets could line up without star Kyrie Irving</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Taurasi opened overtime with a four-point play and added a 3-pointer that put Phoenix up 89-86 with 1:24 left. She then came up with a huge defensive play, getting a steal with 36 seconds left.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Skylar Diggins-Smith, who had 13 points and 12 assists, sealed it on a layup with 12.8 seconds left.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Vandersloot led the Sky with 20 points and 14 assists. Allie Quigley added 19 points.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Griner kept the Mercury within reach of Chicago during a sluggish start and brought the Phoenix Suns players sitting courtside to their feet with her second career playoff dunk in the first quarter. She scored on a turnaround jump to help give Phoenix a late four-point lead in regulation, but just missed blocking Courtney Vandersloot's tying layup with 4.4 seconds left. Game 3 is Friday in Chicago.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Phoenix was without guards Kia Nurse (torn ACL) and Sophie Cunningham (calf), and had to play two days after clinching its semifinal series in Las Vegas. The Mercury had more prep time and Cunningham back in the lineup after missing three games, but was disjointed early.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world-cup-qualifiers-us-scripts-come-from-behind-win-against-costa-rica?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">World Cup qualifiers: US scripts come from behind win against Costa Rica</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Chicago, one of the WNBA's top offensive teams, was at its free-flowing best, its crisp passing setting up open looks. The Sky knocked 'em down early, hitting 7 of their first 12 shots to take an early nine-point lead.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Phoenix went to Griner early and often. The 6-foot-9 center delivered with an early dunk after the Sky inexplicably left her alone in the lane, bringing the Suns players to their feet, and had 14 points by halftime.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Cunningham hit a pair of 3-pointers to bring the Mercury back from the early deficit and hit another after a wicked crossover to help Phoenix pull even at 40-all at halftime.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Chicago revved up its offense again to start the third quarter, building a seven-point lead. Phoenix countered by getting the ball back in to Griner to help the Mercury surge back into the lead in the fourth quarter.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<i>With inputs from the Associated Press</i>\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Phoenix Mercury defeated Chicago Sky 91-86</li>
  <li>The score was 79-79 when it enetered overtime</li>
  <li>Brittney Griner top-scored with 29 points</li>
</ul>

WNBA finals: Phoenix Mercury defeat Chicago Sky in Game 2, series tied at 1-1

Kahleah Copper scored 22 points, Allie Quigley added 18 and the hot-shooting Chicago Sky opened the WNBA Finals with a 91-77 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday. The Sky withstood Phoenix's fast start and took control with a 21-2 run spanning halftime to go up 17. Courtney Vandersloot had 12 points and 11 assists, helping Chicago shoot 53% and snatch home-court advantage from the Mercury in the best-of-five series. Game 2 is Wednesday in Phoenix. Also read: NBA star Kyrie Irving can practice with Brooklyn Nets, won't play in home games: Reports,The Mercury played without guards Kia Nurse (torn ACL) and Sophie Cunningham (left calf strain), and the lack of depth seemed to hurt them against one of the WNBA’s best offensive teams. Brittney Griner had 20 points and Diana Taurasi 17 for the Mercury, who pulled within eight late before running out of steam and time. The 2021 WNBA Finals is the first for both franchises since the Mercury swept the Sky in 2014. ALSO READ | NBA preseason: Curry powers Warriors over Lakers; Nets down Bucks,It's also a showdown between two of the sport's all-time greats still at the top of their games. A three-time WNBA champion and the league's all-time leading scorer, the 39-year-old Taurasi took over down the stretch of Game 5 against Las Vegas, scoring 14 of her 24 points in the fourth quarter. She was voted the greatest player in the WNBA's 25-history by the fans in ceremony before Game 1 of the finals. Parker, a two-time league MVP, returned home to Chicago this season after playing her first 13 seasons in Los Angeles and has been a key reason the Sky reached the finals, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in the clinching game against Connecticut in the semifinals. The 35-year-old was honored as one of the WNBA's greatest players during a ceremony after the first quarter of Game 1. ALSO READ | Disappointing: 76ers' Joel Embiid responds to Ben Simmons' comments,Taurasi kick started Phoenix's hot start to the final with two early 3s, helping the Mercury build an early nine-point lead. Parker led the Sky back, scoring 11 first-half points while keying a late second quarter 17-0 run that put Chicago up 46-35 at halftime. Chicago stretched the lead to 17 in the third quarter before Phoenix went on a 10-2 run to pull within 52-45. That's as close as the Mercury would get. The Sky continued to drop in shots, pushing the lead to 86-66 midway through the fourth quarter before withstanding a late run by Phoenix's reserves.

{\"time\":1633901617121,\"strCount\":3228,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Kahleah Copper scored 22 points, Allie Quigley added 18 and the hot-shooting <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/chicagosky/\\\">Chicago Sky</a> opened the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/wnba/\\\">WNBA </a>Finals with a 91-77 win over the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/phoenixmercury/\\\">Phoenix Mercury</a> on Sunday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Sky withstood Phoenix's fast start and took control with a 21-2 run spanning halftime to go up 17. Courtney Vandersloot had 12 points and 11 assists, helping Chicago shoot 53% and snatch home-court advantage from the Mercury in the best-of-five series.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Game 2 is Wednesday in Phoenix.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-star-kyrie-irving-can-practice-with-brooklyn-nets-wont-play-in-home-games-reports?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">NBA star Kyrie Irving can practice with Brooklyn Nets, won't play in home games: Reports</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Mercury played without guards Kia Nurse (torn ACL) and Sophie Cunningham (left calf strain), and the lack of depth seemed to hurt them against one of the WNBA’s best offensive teams.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Brittney Griner had 20 points and Diana Taurasi 17 for the Mercury, who pulled within eight late before running out of steam and time.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 2021 WNBA Finals is the first for both franchises since the Mercury swept the Sky in 2014.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-stephen-curry-powers-golden-state-warriors-over-los-angeles-lakers-brooklyn-nets-down-milwaukee-bucks?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">NBA preseason: Curry powers Warriors over Lakers; Nets down Bucks</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It's also a showdown between two of the sport's all-time greats still at the top of their games.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A three-time WNBA champion and the league's all-time leading scorer, the 39-year-old Taurasi took over down the stretch of Game 5 against Las Vegas, scoring 14 of her 24 points in the fourth quarter. She was voted the greatest player in the WNBA's 25-history by the fans in ceremony before Game 1 of the finals.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Parker, a two-time league MVP, returned home to Chicago this season after playing her first 13 seasons in Los Angeles and has been a key reason the Sky reached the finals, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in the clinching game against Connecticut in the semifinals. The 35-year-old was honored as one of the WNBA's greatest players during a ceremony after the first quarter of Game 1.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/disappointing-philadelphia-76ers-joel-embiid-responds-to-ben-simmons-statements?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Disappointing: 76ers' Joel Embiid responds to Ben Simmons' comments</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Taurasi kick started Phoenix's hot start to the final with two early 3s, helping the Mercury build an early nine-point lead.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Parker led the Sky back, scoring 11 first-half points while keying a late second quarter 17-0 run that put Chicago up 46-35 at halftime.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Chicago stretched the lead to 17 in the third quarter before Phoenix went on a 10-2 run to pull within 52-45.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"That's as close as the Mercury would get.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Sky continued to drop in shots, pushing the lead to 86-66 midway through the fourth quarter before withstanding a late run by Phoenix's reserves.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Chicago Sky beat Phoenix Mercury 91-77 in Game 1</li>
  <li>Courtney Vandersloot had 12 points and 11 assists for Chicago</li>
  <li>Game 2 is on Wednesday in Phoenix</li>
</ul>

WNBA final: Chicago Sky beat Phoenix Mercury to clinch game 1

The Phoenix Mercury squad will be going up against Chicago Sky over the next week to decide who will secure the title WNBA title for the ongoing season. The Arizona team will seek to reverse time and repeat the 2014 win. The two teams earlier met seven years ago in the finals of the championship in a best of three series and swept the title with the assistance of Diana Taurasi, who was drafted by the team in 2004. Also Read: WNBA's Seattle Storm visit White House after a decade to meet President Biden,The two teams will be clashing against each other in the finals for the first time since the WNBA amended the playoff format in 2016, when Phoenix was seeded fifth followed by Chicago in the sixth position. Both Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky played close-call games in the semifinal series to secure their top two spots. Mercury, backed by Taurasi's 24 points, beat Las Vegas 87-84 on Friday night in Game 5. Chicago took out top-seeded Connecticut in the other semi in four games. Also Read: Basketball star Candace Parker to be the first woman on NBA 2k cover,Chicago decided to fly to Las Vegas on Friday before the finals matchup was set. With a noon local tip on Sunday for Game 1, coach James Wade thought it would be beneficial to the team to already be acclimated to the time difference and not lose a day of preparation on Saturday while traveling. Phoenix's side was rattled with a pre-game injury in their semifinal Game 5 clash. Starting guard Kia Nurse tore an ACL, leaving the team relatively weakened for the last leg of the tournament. Also Read: NBA preseason: Curry powers Warriors over Lakers; Nets down Bucks,The team was also missing backup Sophie Cunningham with a strained calf. Sandy Brondello said she is hoping Cunningham will be back for some of the Finals. Phoenix coach Brondello said, Chicago is playing really good ball, they are peaking at the right time, according to reports from Associated Press. ,He added, They are playing their best ball at the right time of the season. It’s a big challenge for us, they will be more rested but hopefully, we can make this a good series and have some success and win the championship.

{\"time\":1633804667325,\"strCount\":2960,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Phoenix Mercury squad will be going up against Chicago Sky over the next week to decide who will secure the title <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/wnba-honours-top-25-women-basketball-players-of-all-time?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">WNBA</a> title for the ongoing season. The Arizona team will seek to reverse time and repeat the 2014 win.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The two teams earlier met seven years ago in the finals of the championship in a best of three series and swept the title with the assistance of&nbsp;Diana Taurasi, who was drafted by the team in 2004.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/wnbas-seattle-storm-visit-white-house-after-a-decade-to-meet-president-biden?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">WNBA's Seattle Storm visit White House after a decade to meet President Biden</a></b>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The two teams will be clashing against each other in the finals for the first time since the WNBA amended the playoff format in 2016, when Phoenix was seeded fifth followed by Chicago in the sixth position.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Both&nbsp;Phoenix Mercury and&nbsp;Chicago Sky played close-call games in the semifinal series to secure their top two spots. Mercury, backed by Taurasi's 24 points, beat Las Vegas 87-84 on Friday night in Game 5.&nbsp;Chicago took out top-seeded Connecticut in the other semi in four games.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/basketball-star-candace-parker-to-be-the-first-woman-on-nba-2k-cover?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Basketball star Candace Parker to be the first woman on NBA 2k cover</a></b>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Chicago decided to fly to <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/lasvegas/\\\">Las Vegas</a> on Friday before the finals matchup was set. With a noon local tip on Sunday for Game 1, coach James Wade thought it would be beneficial to the team to already be acclimated to the time difference and not lose a day of preparation on Saturday while traveling.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Phoenix's side was rattled with a pre-game injury in their semifinal Game 5 clash. Starting guard Kia Nurse tore an ACL, leaving the team relatively weakened for the last leg of the tournament.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<b>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/nba-stephen-curry-powers-golden-state-warriors-over-los-angeles-lakers-brooklyn-nets-down-milwaukee-bucks?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">NBA preseason: Curry powers Warriors over Lakers; Nets down Bucks</a></b>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The team was also missing backup Sophie Cunningham with a strained calf. Sandy Brondello said she is hoping Cunningham will be back for some of the Finals.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Phoenix coach Brondello said, \\\"Chicago is playing really good ball, they are peaking at the right time\\\", according to reports from Associated Press. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He added, \\\"They are playing their best ball at the right time of the season. It’s a big challenge for us, they will be more rested but hopefully, we can make this a good series and have some success and win the championship.\"}}]}

<ul>
  <li>Phoenix Mercury beat Chicago in the 2014 finals</li>
  <li>Phoenix's Kia Nurse tore an ACL in the semifinal</li>
  <li>Chicago Sky played close-call games in the semifinal series</li>
</ul>

#PhoenixMercury