On a night when the NBA world watched the reigning champion Golden State Warriors receive their rings — superstar Stephen Curry used the moment for another special recognition.
Curry gave a birthday shoutout to Brittney Griner and called for her release out of Russian custody before the Warriors kicked off their 2022-23 regular season against the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Brittney Griner’s birthday is today, she’s 32 years old,” Curry said in front of a sellout Chase Center arena.
“We want to continue to let her name be known, and we pray that it’s been 243 days that she’s been wrongfully incarcerated in Russia,” Curry added.
“We hope that she comes home soon and that everybody’s doing their part to bring her home.”
Griner remains detained after attempts to free the Phoenix Mercury star were halted when a Russian judge sentenced her to nine years in August.
The WNBA player’s detainment has been at the forefront of complicated negotiations between the U.S. and Russia, as President Biden has emphasized the need to bring her home.
A recent statement put out by a Russian official recently said Griner’s case wasn’t a “main issue” to be concerned about for Russia.
“He (Biden) keeps emphasizing the need to bring (Griner) back home … however, it’s not the main issue that we are concerned about,” Yury Ushakov, a close aid to Russian President Vladimir Putin, said to a Russian outlet, according to USA Today.
The NBA and WNBA have both made sure to keep Griner’s name alive amid failed negotiations between President Biden and Vladimir Putin.
Following Curry’s speech and the Warriors’ ring ceremony — the NBA’s two blockbuster team’s faced off.
Curry recorded 33 points, seven assists, and six rebounds to help give his Warriors a dominating 123-109 season opening win against LeBron James’ Lakers.