SAN FRANCISCO — DeWanna Bonner left the Phoenix Mercury with another championship in mind. After a late-season change of scenery, the veteran forward came within one game of adding another title to her decorated career.
Oct 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream forward DeWanna Bonner (24) shoots against the New York Liberty in the third quarter during game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Instead, Bonner and the Atlanta Dream were left heartbroken after a season-ending loss Saturday night in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals. The Golden State Valkyries defeated Atlanta 68-63, capturing their first championship in just their second season.
The loss marked another missed opportunity for Bonner, who had reached the Finals in consecutive seasons but fell short of capturing her third championship.
Oct 9, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty guard Marine Fauthoux (4) controls the ball against Atlanta Dream forward DeWanna Bonner (24) in the second half during game three of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The 39-year-old joined Atlanta in late August after agreeing to a contract buyout with Phoenix, hoping to give herself another opportunity to compete for a title. A two-time WNBA champion with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014, Bonner brought 17 years of experience to a Dream team hoping to capture its first championship.
Atlanta appeared positioned to take control after building a 30-24 halftime lead in front of a rowdy Ballhalla crowd, the Valkyries’ fan base at Chase Center. The Dream extended their lead to nine points in the third quarter before Golden State found its rhythm.
Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 30 points, including her team’s final 11 points of the third quarter, shifting the momentum in Golden State’s favor.
Oct 7, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream forward DeWanna Bonner (24) attempts a shot against New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during the first quarter during game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Bonner finished with four points in 14 minutes off the bench. Although her scoring contributions were limited, she added another milestone to her career by becoming the first player in WNBA history to reach 600 career postseason rebounds.
The loss denied Atlanta its first WNBA championship and left Bonner short of another title. She left Phoenix in search of another opportunity to compete for a championship and helped Atlanta reach the sport’s biggest stage.
DeWanna Bonner has become the first player in WNBA history to record 600 career postseason rebounds, reaching the milestone with her second board of the night.
More on the history being made in Game 7: https://t.co/J33yYy46yM https://t.co/5F2TKqdxfz
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 1, 2026
But after coming within one victory of the ultimate goal, Bonner’s latest championship pursuit ended just short of the finish line.
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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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