On Monday night, Brittney Griner did something that’ll go down in history, not just for her, but for the entire world of women’s basketball. Playing in the Unrivaled League, Griner made the first-ever dunk in league history. It was a powerful, one-handed slam that showcased the incredible athleticism she’s known for. Though her team, the Phantom, lost 92-79 to the Lunar Owls at Wayfair Arena, Griner’s dunk was a moment that will be remembered far beyond the game’s outcome.

Despite the loss, it was Griner who made the headlines. The dunk sent shockwaves throughout the basketball world and reminded everyone why she’s one of the most dominant players of her generation. For Griner, it was more than just a highlight—it was a historic milestone in her career and in the sport. Even though the Phantom’s record now stands at a disappointing 3-9, this dunk added a defining chapter to both her career and to the young Unrivaled League.

The Unrivaled League, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, gives female basketball players a competitive platform during the WNBA offseason. It’s something that wasn’t available to them before, as many players were forced to seek international opportunities to keep playing professionally. But the creation of Unrivaled has provided a space for these athletes to continue developing their skills and playing the game they love without having to leave the country. For Griner, this league has been a great outlet as she continues her recovery from the personal ordeal of being detained in Russia for nearly ten months.

Even though her team suffered another defeat, Griner’s dunk stood out. It wasn’t just a physical feat, but a statement of resilience. It reminded everyone of how far she’s come since her emotional return to the WNBA after her release from Russia. Griner’s journey has been one of immense hardship, yet here she was, doing something no one else in the Unrivaled League had done before—dunking the ball.

Lisa Leslie, a true pioneer in women’s basketball and the first player to dunk in a WNBA game back in 2002, praised Griner’s achievement. Leslie told USA Today’s Safid Deen, “The dunk was outstanding, and it’s historic. The night I dunked, we lost that game, too. But that is a historic moment to be the first to dunk in Unrivaled.” Leslie’s words carry weight, not just because she was the first woman to dunk in the WNBA, but because she understands the significance of what Griner just did. It’s a reminder of how important moments like this are, not just for the players involved but for the game as a whole.

Griner’s dunk is also a testament to her strength, both mentally and physically. After everything she’s been through, it’s incredible to see her not just return to the court, but to return at such a high level. Her resilience has been nothing short of inspiring. Following her detainment, Griner has earned two All-Star selections, reminding the world that she’s not just back—she’s back stronger than ever.

The Unrivaled League is growing, and Griner is already making a huge impact. More and more players are finding value in the league, especially now that it’s becoming a viable option for off-season play. Before this, players had to go overseas to stay active, and the challenges that came with that were all too real, as Griner’s situation highlighted. The league’s rise is important, not just for players, but for fans who get to see these athletes showcase their talents year-round. And for Griner, it’s an opportunity to continue building her legacy.

Griner herself embraced her achievement. “Glad to be able to hold it,” she said after the dunk. “Maybe I’ll try to get another one next game.” That’s the competitive fire we’ve come to expect from her. Even after making history, she’s already thinking about how to improve and do it again. For her, it’s not just about the dunk; it’s about pushing herself and making sure she stays at the top of her game. And knowing Griner, this won’t be the last time we see something this spectacular from her.

What’s especially remarkable about all this is how Griner’s journey has shaped the narrative of her career. When she was detained in Russia, many feared we wouldn’t see her play again. But not only has she returned to the court, but she’s also taken the opportunity to make her mark in a whole new league. Her return to the game is a testament to the strength of her character, and her performance in the Unrivaled League is a reminder that adversity only fuels her drive to succeed.

Brittney Griner’s dunk is a monumental moment in the world of women’s sports. It’s a sign of how far the game has come, and a glimpse of how far it can still go. With players like Griner leading the charge, the future of women’s basketball is in good hands. Her legacy is already cemented, but moments like this prove that she’s not done yet. There’s no telling what’s next for Griner, but whatever it is, it’s sure to be just as incredible as what we’ve seen so far. Whether it’s another dunk or something entirely new, one thing is certain—Brittney Griner is far from finished making history.

As the Unrivaled League continues to grow and more players get the chance to showcase their skills, the basketball world will be watching to see what comes next. Will there be more dunks, more incredible plays, and more history-making moments? With Griner already setting the bar so high, there’s no doubt that she and her fellow athletes will continue to push the limits of what’s possible in the world of women’s basketball.