The Indiana Fever demonstrated resilience in a 107-101 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, despite missing star guard Caitlin Clark. The game was notable for the return of former Fever player DeWanna Bonner, who signed with the Fever this offseason but requested a trade after only nine games and subsequently joined the Mercury.
Bonner’s first visit back to her former home since her abrupt departure stirred a charged atmosphere among Fever fans and teammates alike, intensifying the match’s emotional stakes.
Caitlin Clark’s Reaction to Bonner’s Missed Shots Draws Attention
Late in the third quarter, Bonner attempted a difficult shot over Indiana’s Lexie Hull but missed decisively, resulting in an airball. After a Mercury teammate reclaimed the rebound and passed it back, Bonner missed a subsequent layup as the shot clock wound down. Clark, standing on the sidelines during this sequence, made a distinct waving gesture after each missed attempt, seemingly signaling a farewell to her former teammate.
The moment drew audible reactions from the crowd, with Clark later energizing fans following the Mercury’s turnover on the shot clock, as the Fever maintained a narrow 65-60 lead.
Key Contributions Lead Indiana Fever to Victory
Aliyah Boston’s strong fourth-quarter performance, scoring 14 points, helped secure the Fever’s win and improve their season record to 15-12. The victory underscored the team’s ability to perform under pressure, even without Clark’s full presence on the court.
Bonner’s return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, combined with Clark’s pointed reaction, highlighted the underlying tensions stemming from Bonner’s short tenure and exit from the Fever organization.
The Broader Impact of Wednesday’s Game
This matchup not only reinforced the Fever’s playoff hopes but also intensified the spotlight on team dynamics following Bonner’s controversial departure. Clark’s visible response could signal unresolved feelings within the team, which may influence team chemistry moving forward. As the WNBA season progresses, attention will remain on how the Fever navigate these interpersonal elements alongside their on-court ambitions.