STEPH CURRY used his platform at the NBA championship ring ceremony to focus on imprisoned WNBA star Brittney Griner.

Eight-time All-Star Griner, 32, has been detained in Russia since February.

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Steph Curry and the Warriors returned to NBA action on October 18Credit: Reuters

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The four-time NBA champ used his platform before the game to wish Brittney Griner a happy birthdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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The basketball star has been detained in Russia since FebruaryCredit: Reuters
She was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after a scan revealed that she had cartridges containing liquid with hashish oil, according to ESPN.

In July 2022, Griner’s case headed to trial, and shortly after, she pleaded guilty.

However, in Russia, trials still continue even if a defendant has admitted guilt.

One month later, she was found guilty of the charges against her and sentenced to nine years in prison.

The basketball world has attempted to rally around Griner, while the US State Department said she was ‘wrongfully detained’ by the Russian government.

And Curry used the Golden State Warriors celebrations on October 18 to keep her plight fresh in people’s minds.

He said: “We use our platform and the opportunity to shout out a very special member of the basketball community.

“Brittney Griner’s birthday is today, she’s 32 years old.

“We want to continue to let her name be known and it’s been 243 days since she’s been wrongfully incarcerated in Russia.

“We hope that she comes home soon and everybody’s doing their part to get her home.”

While Griner released a statement through her attorneys which read: “Thank you everyone for fighting so hard to get me home. All the support and love are definitely helping me.”

Golden State saw off the LA Lakers 123-109 in their season opener, with Curry scoring 33 points.

Griner meanwhile is set to appear in court on October 25 to appeal her prison sentence.