Phoenix Mercury Close In on WNBA Finals With DeWanna Bonner’s Guidance

Phoenix, Arizona — The Phoenix Mercury are one win away from reaching the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2021. They are poised to face the winner of the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever series.

This season has seen stars like Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas stepping up, helping the Mercury secure crucial victories. DeWanna Bonner, a veteran player who returned to the Mercury after a brief stint with the Indiana Fever, is providing valuable leadership and mentorship to a roster that includes many rookies.

Bonner spoke about her new role, stating, “I feel like I’ve been talking a lot and helping them navigate the ups and downs. You can’t get too high, you can’t get too low. In playoffs, it doesn’t matter if you get 20 or 1, as long as you win.” This experience is helping to guide the rookies as they adapt to the intense playoff atmosphere.

During her time back with the Mercury, Bonner has recorded notable performances. In the first two playoff games against the New York Liberty, she scored 12 and 14 points, respectively. Though her shooting was less impressive in some games, her rebounding and overall presence on the court have proven essential.

The Mercury struggled early in the regular season against the Minnesota Lynx, losing both matchups, but flipped the script in their latest game, winning 79-71 with Bonner contributing seven points and six rebounds. This victory shifted the momentum heading into the playoffs.

Currently, Bonner is averaging 6.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in the postseason. Despite a scoreless game in their first matchup against the Lynx, she still managed nine rebounds, proving her value to the team exceeds just scoring.

As the Mercury prepare for the upcoming games, it is vital for Bonner to display her experience and help her younger teammates stay focused. The home crowd at PHX Arena will surely seek to rally behind the team as they push toward a championship.

With Bonner leading the charge, the Mercury are ready to conquer the challenges ahead. If they can maintain their performance and the bench continues to provide support, the prospect of a WNBA Finals appearance looms large.