Mercury’s Westbeld and Joiner praise Bonner’s strong early impact

Bonner signed with Phoenix on July 8 after being waived from the Indiana Fever on June 25. She played her first game with the Mercury after six years against the Minnesota Lynx, where they picked up a 79-71 win.

Bonner played 26 minutes in the win, with seven points, six rebounds and two assists.

When asked by David Veenstra from Desert Wave Media about her new teammate after practice on Saturday afternoon, Westbeld said it’s been “awesome” to have Bonner around.

“I’m so grateful to have her here,” she said. “A tremendous player, a tremendous person. A legend in the league. To have her as a mentor here, someone to look up to… It’s a blessing to have her here.”

Joiner thinks Bonner is a special player, praising her defense and veteran status for the way she plays.

“She’s a very skilled player,” Joiner said to Veenstra. “I’m glad to be able to coach her.”

Bonner and Phoenix return to action against the Golden State Valkryies on Monday, June 14.