The WNBA showed a video montage honoring the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before Sunday's opening game in the best-of-five semifinal series between Las Vegas and Connecticut. The players also wore "VOTE" warm-up shirts.
The WNBA has focused on social justice issues all season in the bubble at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Friday, when Ginsburg passed away at age 87, the league, commissioner Cathy Engelbert, WNBA team accounts, and many players and coaches sent tweets and Instagram posts honoring her and sending condolences to her family.
Saturday on Zoom calls, WNBA players and coaches expressed gratitude to Ginsburg's judicial career that advanced the rights of women and the LGBTQ community.
"She's just somebody that's been an incredible fighter for so many things," said Minnesota's Cheryl Reeve, the 2020 WNBA coach of the year. "To lose someone like that at this time is jolting. I feel committed to doing even more in her honor."
Minnesota forward Napheesa Collier said, "It's just taking what she did and trying to carry on her legacy. She kind of paved the way for that, so we try to follow in her footsteps."
Sun coach Curt Miller said he felt a special gratitude for Ginsburg's part of the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision that confirmed marriage equality in the United States.
"Obviously, it hits home to me and everything she meant to the LGBTQ community," Miller said. "It's an emotional loss for many of us. What a legacy she left. A remarkable woman."
Engelbert tweeted on Friday, "Sad to hear of the passing of an icon, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a role model, and a champion for equality for so many. Love this quote of hers: "Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."