PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld and assistant coach Michael Joiner praised DeWanna Bonner for her early impact with the team.
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Jul 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) celebrates with teammates Kathryn Westbeld (24), Sami Whitcomb (33), Monique Akoa Makani (8) and DeWanna Bonner (24) against the Minnesota Lynx during the second half at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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.
Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) is grabbed by Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) as forward Alyssa Thomas (25) sets a pick during the first quarter at PHX Arena on July 9, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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.”
DB to AT in a Mercury jersey is something we’re going to get very familiar with ???? pic.twitter.com/5jbEwEoCfJ
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) July 9, 2025
Bonner and Phoenix return to action against the Golden State Valkryies on Monday, June 14.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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