DeWanna Bonner made her return to the Phoenix Mercurycount in a big way Monday night, reaching a career milestone and helping her team edge out the Golden State Valkyries 78-77.
DeWanna Bonner’s 60th double-double lifts Mercury in one-point win
Bonner, who started her WNBA career with the Mercury in 2009, came off the bench to scored 22 points and ripped down 11 rebounds, for her 60th regular-season double-double. It was a vintage performance from one of the league’s most accomplished players, and it gave the Mercury their second straight win since her return.
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After beginning the season with the Indiana Fever, Bonner requested her release and reunited with Phoenix, where she now plays alongside her fiancée Alyssa Thomas. The veteran forward is proving she still has plenty to offer, even at 37 years old.
Veteran returns to Phoenix and helps fuel team’s playoff push
Following the win, Bonner credited her fast transition back to the team’s coaching staff and her long-term experience.
“I guess that was experience,” Bonner said. “But the team, the coaching staff, the supporting cast, has done a great job catching me up to speed. Just got thrown in the fire but it’s been great.”
Bonner spent her first 11 WNBA seasons with Phoenix and won two championships during that time, one in her rookie year and another in 2014. Her return now comes during a critical point in the Mercury’s season as they push toward the playoffs.
The current Phoenix roster, led by Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper, is loaded with talent. They are now 15-6 with the win, while Golden State dropped to 10-11 on the season.
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