Mercury’s Bonner answers critics with strong showing against Valkyries

After signing with the Mercury on July 8, Bonner had her first game the following day. She played for 26 minutes, scoring seven points with six rebounds from the bench. However, the two-time champion followed her first game with a stellar performance in the next.

Bonner came off the bench and scored 22 points against Golden State, the most points for a Mercury in the win. She also had 11 rebounds, going 7-8 from the field and 3-4 from beyond the arc. Bonner secured her first double-double of the year, becoming the second player to do so off the bench this season.

Bonner has become the only player in franchise history to score 20+ points and 10+ rebounds off the bench.

Last Mid-Season Acquisition Standout

The last player to have an impact after being traded mid-season was Marina Mabrey, who was traded to the Connecticut Sun from the Chicago Sky on July 17, 2024. In her first game as a Sun, Mabrey scored 17 points, with three shots from beyond the arc, and four assists.

The Sun scored a season-high of 109 points in the win.

Bonner Being Back

When asked about how her experience helped bring Phoenix a win against the Valkyries, Bonner credited the whole team. She said the staff has done a good job helping.

“Just credit to Phoenix, the organization,” she said. “Everybody catching me [up] really quick. Kind of just got thrown in the fire, but it’s been great.”

Bonner and the Mercury visit the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday, July 16.