In Indianapolis on Saturday, the Indiana Fever introduced a revamped starting lineup against the 2024 WNBA champion New York Liberty, marking the first time this season DeWanna Bonner, a six-time All-Star, came off the bench. Although Bonner played 23 minutes as a reserve, she managed just two points in a tight 90-88 defeat. The change in DeWanna Bonner’s role with Indiana Fever highlights an ongoing adjustment as the team searches for offensive consistency.
DeWanna Bonner’s Scoring Legacy and Present Challenges
Bonner, who recently ascended to third place on the league‘s all-time scoring list during the Fever’s home opener, has struggled to maintain her scoring production early this season. A two-time WNBA champion, Bonner’s output has dipped noticeably from her previous performances. At Auburn, she was largely a role player for the Phoenix Mercury, supporting stars such as Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. Later, with the Connecticut Sun, she assumed a more central scoring role, averaging over 16 points per game across five seasons. However, in four games with the Fever so far, her scoring average has dropped below three points.
Adjusting to a Faster Pace and New Team Dynamics
At 37 years old, Bonner aims to cement her legacy as one of the greatest players in WNBA history, but this requires clarity in her function within the Fever. Stephanie White, Bonner’s former Connecticut Sun coach and current Indiana Fever head coach, acknowledges the complexity of this transition.
You know, DB probably had the toughest transition of anybody,
White said to CBS Sports.
She was really a priority in us getting her shot opportunities in Connecticut, and how we got them in a slower paced system. Now, it’s finding where we can get it in flow in a really fast system with heavy ball-dominant guards.
The Sun operated as a defense-first team, ranking last in pace with 93.32 possessions per 40 minutes in the 2024 season. In contrast, the Fever play a fast-paced style, ranking second with 97.54 possessions per 40 minutes. Though Bonner excels as a hybrid wing capable of leading and scoring in transition, she has yet to fully adapt to the Fever’s style, which emphasizes playmakers like Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, both elite perimeter shooters.
Coaching Staff Seeks to Maximize Bonner’s Impact in a Fast System
White and her staff continue to explore ways to integrate Bonner effectively within the Fever’s offensive scheme. The goal is to highlight Bonner’s strengths without forcing a slow-tempo offense.
We have to make, as a coaching staff, points of emphasis that our team has to make when we’re on the floor, because she is a match-up problem, and finding rhythm in flow,
White said.
It’s not going to be slow down, run set all the time, but how can we get to action that highlight what she brings to the table, naturally and in flow.
Bonner maintains a career 30% three-point shooting accuracy and a 41% field goal percentage. Yet through four games with the Fever, she has attempted just one three-pointer. Part of the difficulty lies in steering Bonner toward scoring opportunities through the middle of the court rather than the corners, where she often finds herself stuck.
Oftentimes she’s getting into the corners and not getting out of them,
White remarked, citing Bonner’s early shot charts and the adjustments required to improve her offensive positioning.
Bench Role Shows Early Growing Pains, But Leadership Remains Key
On Saturday, White tested Bonner in a reserve role again, but this resulted in limited offensive production. It was only the second game this season where Bonner’s usage rate fell below 10%, a stark contrast to her time in Connecticut, where her usage never dipped below 14% under White.
Despite the statistical struggles and the adjustment period, White emphasizes Bonner’s invaluable influence beyond scoring.
Her leadership is just incredible, White stated.
She’s a strong voice in the locker room. She’s a veteran presence who’s been through it all. She’s played with elite players before. She understands how to communicate with them, and they respect her.
Caitlin Clark Highlights Bonner’s Vital Influence and Milestone
2024 Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark has also praised Bonner’s leadership within the team. After Bonner moved into third place on the all-time scoring list, Clark called her
the strongest voice in our locker room
. This sentiment was reiterated days later in Atlanta, where Clark expressed frustration that Bonner’s milestone did not receive broader recognition.
Moving into third all-time, I don’t see people talking about that enough.
—Caitlin Clark, WNBA Player
Clark also reflected on what the achievement means for Bonner and the league:
I don’t think people realize how big of a deal that is,
Clark told reporters before Indiana’s game against the Dream.
That’s a huge milestone, that’s a huge achievement in this league that she’s given so much to.
Fever’s Close Losses and Future Prospects
Following Saturday’s narrow defeat to the Liberty, the Fever hold a 2-2 record early in the season. Close losses to New York and Atlanta have been the difference between them and the Liberty, who remain among the few undefeated teams.
That’s what’s frustrating about it, Clark said.
It definitely stings, but this is what’s going to make us better at the end of the year.
As the Fever continue to develop cohesion, the coaching staff’s determination to define Bonner’s role could prove pivotal. With roughly three weeks left before a highly anticipated rematch against New York on June 14, finding the right fit for Bonner could energize Indiana’s offense and impact their season trajectory significantly.