On Wednesday night, DeWanna Bonner will face the Indiana Fever for the first time since her difficult departure, as the Phoenix Mercury host the Fever in a crucial matchup between two playoff contenders. Bonner’s return to Indiana marks a significant moment following a turbulent short stint with the Fever that ended abruptly in early June.
Brief and Challenging Tenure with the Indiana Fever
Bonner joined Indiana last season following head coach Stephanie White’s move to the Fever but struggled to find her rhythm, averaging just 7.1 points over nine games. After being removed from the starting lineup three games into the campaign, Bonner stepped away from the team on June 10, expressing no desire to return. Shortly after, Indiana waived her, opening the door for her reunion with the Phoenix Mercury, where she would play alongside her fiancé Alyssa Thomas.
Rekindling Success with the Phoenix Mercury
Returning to the Mercury franchise, where she spent the first decade of her fifteen-year career, Bonner has experienced a resurgence, averaging 11.7 points and five rebounds per game over six contests. Her versatile play has added a valuable dimension to Phoenix’s lineup, which features All-Star forward Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas in the frontcourt.
Stephanie White Praises Bonner’s Role in Phoenix’s System
Fever head coach Stephanie White spoke positively about Bonner’s fit with the Mercury during a practice media session on Tuesday, highlighting the seamless chemistry between Bonner and Alyssa Thomas.
“I think she’s fit in perfectly with Phoenix,”
—Stephanie White, Indiana Fever Head Coach
“Her and AT play so well together, and she does a really good job of adding a different dimension with her ability to be that stretch four, her and Satou being able to play on the floor at the same time with AT.”
—Stephanie White, Indiana Fever Head Coach
White emphasized how Bonner’s ability to function as a “stretch four” complements Satou Sabally, creating lineup options that the Fever have not encountered in the same way.
“She’s comfortable there, she’s comfortable in that system,”
—Stephanie White, Indiana Fever Head Coach
White, who coached Bonner alongside Thomas in Connecticut during 2023 and 2024 resulting in two strong seasons, expressed happiness that Bonner has found success despite the difficult end to their time together in Indiana.
“I’m glad that she’s happy, and I’m glad that she’s found a new spot.”
—Stephanie White, Indiana Fever Head Coach
Phoenix Mercury’s Strategic Use of Bonner
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts originally planned to utilize Bonner across multiple positions, and the veteran forward has embraced this flexibility. Her current shooting percentage from beyond the arc is an impressive 38.1%, with an average of 3.5 three-pointers made per game. This shooting range adds an important strategic layer to Phoenix’s frontcourt game, particularly since neither Sabally nor Thomas are known as significant threats from long distance.
The Broader Impact of Bonner’s Return
Bonner’s reintegration into the Mercury lineup has not only strengthened the team’s competitive edge but has also injected new energy into a squad aiming for a deep playoff run. Her scoring ability and versatile skill set provide a challenge for opponents, especially those who have recently coached or played against her. The upcoming game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse will be a test of how far Bonner and the Mercury have come since her departure from Indiana.
As Bonner faces the Fever on their home court tomorrow, the game offers a narrative of redemption and renewed purpose that resonates across the league. Her fit with Phoenix Mercury continues to exemplify how a change of scenery can reignite a veteran player’s career trajectory, blending experience with fresh team dynamics to push for postseason success.