INDIANAPOLIS — Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper defended teammate DeWanna Bonner from a hostile crowd after Wednesday’s game against the Indiana Fever.
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Jul 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) against the Minnesota Lynx at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Bonner signed with the Fever in February and was waived in June due to differences between the parties. The two-time WNBA Champion signed with the Mercury a few days later and has been with the team since July 8.
The Mercury visited the Fever on Wednesday, which marked the first time Bonner had visited Indianapolis since being waived. During the game, Bonner was booed by the Indiana crowd each time she checked in.
Jun 21, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) dribbles against the Chicago Sky during the first quarter at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Copper spoke to the media after the game, defending Bonner from the reception she received from the Fever fanbase.
“It’s just very distasteful for what their fan base is doing as far as when it comes to [Bonner],” she said, according to Phoenix’s post-game presser recording. “Because it’s just like, she’s just the sweetest soul. The situation didn’t work for her. That’s just not what she wanted or whatever. But it’s just, we don’t need all of that. It’s just unnecessary.”
The famous step through. pic.twitter.com/jXpRaEp8rH
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) July 31, 2025
The Mercury fell to the Fever on Wednesday night, 107-101.
Phoenix looks to bounce back from the loss as the team will visit the Atlanta Dream on Friday, Aug. 1.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
