It comes after the US two-time Olympic basketball gold medalist pleaded guilty to drug charges in a Russian court near Moscow on Thursday, but the US State Department said she was wrongfully detained.
She now faces up to 10 years in prison on the charge.
Prior to the match, Griner’s name was announced with a graphic of her while her initials were displayed on the field.
Players also emerged in the second half with shirts bearing Griner’s name and number on the back as Team Wilson beat Team Stewart 134-112.
“We are honestly the most unified league in the world and wearing the shirts was a statement to show we are BG [Brittney Griner]”, A’ja Wilson told reporters after the game.
“She’s our sister and ultimately we’re going to do everything we can to amplify the platform that we have to make sure everyone is doing what they need to do to make sure that she comes home safely.
“It’s tough. It’s tough for all of us. It’s not easy. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of Brittney Griner.
“So to wear her shirt and let the world know we’re not whole without her, I think that’s a statement in itself.”
Before the game even started, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert opened her press conference by mentioning that bringing Griner home remains the league’s priority.
“I really want to start and reiterate that we’re thinking about Brittney Griner right now,” she said.
“She remains a huge priority for us, continues to have our full support, fully focused on getting her home safely and as soon as possible.”
Griner’s wife, Cherelle, was in attendance at the All-Star Game and said it was “always going to be tough to be around basketball without my wife being there.”
“I use these moments as simple gratitude for her legacy and her impact, you know, even without her, you can’t help but say Brittney Griner,” Cherelle told ESPN.
“So I’m so grateful that everyone in this arena still remembers my wife even without her being there.”
Brittney, in a handwritten letter to President Joe Biden, said she feared being detained in Russia indefinitely and pleaded with the president not to forget her and the other American detainees.
“What I do know is that President Biden and his administration took the time to respond to BG, and she is very grateful for that,” Cherelle added when asked about the letter.
“I really believe that the next step on this journey is actually to help our administration ensure that she has our support to do whatever is necessary to bring her home.”
