Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK; Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

WNBA Star Makes History 3 Months After Indiana Fever Exit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 10:22 PM ET

The Phoenix Mercury refused to bow out on Tuesday night. They suffered heartbreak on Sunday in Game 1 against the New York Liberty, losing in overtime, 76-69.

The Mercury were on the brink of elimination, but they made a statement by blowing out the defending champions in Game 2 on Tuesday, 86-60, thereby forcing a winner-take-all Game 3 on Friday.

Six-time All-Star DeWanna Bonner turned in a strong performance in Game 2. The 38-year-old, who reunited with the Mercury mid-season following her controversial exit from the Indiana Fever, scored 14 points off the bench on 6-of-9 shooting, to go along with eight rebounds, an assist, two steals and one triple in 21 minutes off the bench.

Bonner made history on Tuesday, too. The 6-foot-4 guard-forward climbed the leaderboards for the most rebounds in WNBA playoff history.

“Dewanna Bonner making more @wnba playoff history. DB passed Tamika catchings (598) for second all time in playoff history in rebounds - now has 602 - 8 shy of tying Candace Parker (610) for most,” reported veteran ESPN sportscaster Holly Rowe on X.

Dewanna Bonner making more @wnba playoff history.

DB passed Tamika catchings (598) for second all time in playoff history in rebounds - now has 602 - 8 shy of tying Candace Parker (610) for most
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) September 18, 2025

This latest milestone is a testament to how far Bonner has come since her drama-filled departure from Indiana.

After signing as a free agent in the offseason, Bonner never really settled in with the Fever. She took a leave of absence from the team, which ultimately led to the Fever waiving her contract after she had played just nine games. Bonner took the opportunity to sign with the Mercury, which is where she spent the first 11 years of her career.

It was an immediate turnaround for Bonner in Phoenix, where she has since firmly established herself as a key player in the squad. In July, she moved to third all-time in career points in WNBA history, further cementing her legacy as one of the best to ever do it.

Bonner’s stint in Indiana was far from ideal, but the fact that she’s now thriving again in Phoenix is a testament to her resilience. She’s now hoping to win her third career championship with the Mercury this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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