DeWanna Bonner Shines Brighter Than Ever Against the East Team!
DeWanna Bonner has long been a powerhouse for the Phoenix Mercury, consistently proving why she's one of the team's most valuable players. She was instrumental in securing the Mercury's second championship by excelling as the team's premier reserve. But here’s where it gets interesting: she was also a key part of the 2014 championship roster, yet her role and impact evolved significantly over time.
Bonner first became a Mercury starter back in 2012, after years of dominating as a reserve. Early in her career, she claimed the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award three times consecutively—a testament to her versatility and reliability off the bench. By 2012, she had cemented her place in the starting lineup, playing all 32 games that season as a full-time starter.
Throughout her career, Bonner has delivered standout performances in multiple facets of the game, from scoring to rebounding. One of her most memorable rebounding displays came in 2018. In the second-to-last game of that season, Phoenix faced off against the Atlanta Dream. The Mercury emerged victorious with a 104-95 win, showcasing a balanced offensive attack with four players hitting double figures.
Brittney Griner led the charge with a monstrous double-double of 33 points and 18 rebounds, nearly hitting a triple-double with seven blocks. Diana Taurasi also had an incredible showing, recording 27 points and 14 assists, along with four rebounds and two steals. And then there was Bonner herself—she delivered a career-highlight performance with a double-double of 21 points and 16 rebounds, flirting with a triple-double thanks to seven assists and three steals.
Briann January rounded out the scoring with 16 points, plus an assist, a steal, and a block. Bonner’s 16 rebounds that night marked a personal best in her career, surpassing her previous high of 15—ironically set in another game against the Atlanta Dream back in 2012, a matchup Phoenix lost 100-93, despite Bonner racking up 27 points, six steals, and two assists.
Bonner's impact on the Mercury extends beyond regular-season heroics. After a brief stint away from the team, she returned mid-season and seamlessly resumed her role, helping guide the Mercury to a deep playoff run. Her knack for clutch performances and consistent excellence has solidified her as one of the WNBA's most respected veterans.
Looking back, Bonner’s career is nothing short of remarkable. She continues to rack up accolades and set benchmarks for future players. The question now is: with her drive and skill, how much higher can she push her legacy?
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