Angel Reese, two-time All-Star for the Chicago Sky, will miss her fourth straight game on Thursday due to a persistent back injury, with no clear date set for her return. This absence marks another challenging moment for Reese and the Sky as they prepare to face the Atlanta Dream without her presence on the court.
Angel Reese Responds to DeWanna Bonner’s Instagram Post
During her time away from play, Reese has stayed engaged with the league through social media. On Wednesday, she noticed a recent Instagram post from veteran Phoenix Mercury player DeWanna Bonner, who had drawn attention following her contentious mid-season departure from the Indiana Fever. Bonner shared photos showcasing an outfit worn during a game, which quickly caught the eye of fans and fellow players alike. Reese responded succinctly with a two-word compliment, writing, “so gorgeous!!”
Mutual Respect Between Reese and WNBA Veterans
Reese’s brief but positive comment reflects the relationships she has cultivated with several seasoned players across the WNBA. Although the exact nature of her connection with Bonner remains private, earlier in the season Bonner publicly showed support for Reese amid an investigation into alleged hateful fan remarks directed at the younger player during the Fever-Sky season opener.
“We keep uplifting each other and speaking out on these things when that is needed,”
Bonner stated.
“That’s not what we as players stand for, not what the Indiana Fever organization stands for. It’s zero tolerance.”
—DeWanna Bonner, Phoenix Mercury star
Other leading players have praised Reese as well, including Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, whom Reese considers her mentor. Kahleah Copper, a teammate of Bonner’s, has also recently expressed positive views about Reese, demonstrating the respect Reese has earned among the league’s top veterans.
DeWanna Bonner’s Return to Face Indiana Fever
Bonner’s mid-season exit from the Indiana Fever, a team she joined as a free agent in the offseason, created significant tension with Fever fans. Upon returning to Gainbridge Fieldhouse with the Mercury on July 30, she encountered boos and signs of disapproval, as many Indiana supporters did not forget her abrupt departure.
Bonner is scheduled to play against the Fever again on Thursday, this time facing a lineup missing star Caitlin Clark. However, the game will take place at the Mercury’s home venue, PHX Arena, where she is expected to avoid the hostile reception she faced previously.
Implications for WNBA Dynamics Moving Forward
Angel Reese’s ongoing injury and active social media presence, particularly her interactions with veterans like DeWanna Bonner, highlight both the personal and professional connections shaping the WNBA community. Meanwhile, Bonner’s returning appearances against her former team continue to stir fan emotions and add complexity to her relationship with Indiana supporters. How these narratives develop will be closely watched as the season progresses, impacting player dynamics and team rivalries across the league.