When Brittney Griner claimed she'd beat "little man" DeMarcus Cousins 1 vs. 1 and the 4x All-Star fired back: "She's a little delusional"

Back in 2016, WNBA star Brittney Griner made headlines after she made a very bold claim that caught many NBA fans by surprise. Griner first challenged then-Sacramento Kings All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins to a one-on-one matchup. Her initial challenge came via an interview with then-USA Today reporter Sam Amick.

"I would love to just go out there and play against (Cousins)," Griner said.

"We talk a lot of crap to each other. I love talking to him. He's really funny. I would love to just go out there and play against him," Griner continued.

DeMarcus Cousins and Brittney Griner were both taking part in the 2016 Rio Olympics at the time. Cousins was representing the US men’s national team, while Griner was representing the US women’s national team. However, both teams were practicing in the same vicinity.

Following Griner’s comments, Cousins was asked what he thought about the challenge.

“I’m glad she’s that confident in her abilities, but she’s also a little delusional,” Cousins joked via ESPN.

Cousins also joked with Sam Amick that he should get ready to film Griner getting embarrassed.

"Whenever you're ready to get it on camera and see her get embarrassed, I'm ready for it," Cousins said.

Griner was later asked about Cousins’ response after which she doubled down on her initial challenge and claimed she was better than Cousins.

“I’m just gonna use this to fuel (me). I mean, I’m better. But I know that kind of gets at him. … It’s OK, little man,” Griner said.

Other players from both the men’s and women’s US Olympic teams were also asked to weigh in on the back-and-forth between Cousins and Griner. These included NBA stars Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Draymond Green and DeAndre Jordan, as well as WNBA star Diana Taurasi.

Durant was fairly skeptical that Griner stood a chance against Cousins.

“I like the confidence B.G., but I don’t know if that’s going to happen,” Durant said.

However, Taurasi stuck with her teammate.

“My money’s on B.G.,” Taurasi said.

Then-US women’s national team coach Geno Auriemma also weighed in and gave a brutally honest opinion.

“If there's no referee, I’m gonna go to the ATM, I’m gonna sell my house, and I'm going to put all my money on DeMarcus Cousins,” Auriemma said.

DeMarcus Cousins is listed at 6-foot-10, 270 pounds while Brittney Griner is listed at 6-foot-9, 210 pounds. So most NBA fans were also justifiably skeptical that Griner could provide Cousins with a real challenge.

Cousins and Griner never ended up playing against each other one-on-one. However, they definitely provided fans with a memorable offseason moment.

Brittney Griner says DeMarcus Cousins is like her big brother

WNBA star Brittney Griner

Despite Brittney Griner and DeMarcus Cousins’ back-and-forth, it was very clear that it was all just lighthearted fun between the two. Later on, in his interview with Sam Amick, Cousins raved about Griner as a competitor and a person.

“It's almost like we're the same person. As soon as I walk in the door, she's at me. She says I'm a bum. She says she'll kick my butt. It's all in fun,” Cousins said.

“She's an incredible competitor. She's an incredible player. It's fun to be around the ladies and get to know them,” Cousins continued.

Griner also added that Cousins is like a big brother to her in her interview with Amick.

“I’ve never really been around him before until now, but he’s like that big brother, just to talk smack to and who is always competitive. He’s awesome,” Griner said.

For Sam Amick's full story on Cousins and Griner, click here.

Or this: Why is "Brittney Griner Hates America" trending: All you need to know

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