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Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner reached another milestone in her storied career on Tuesday, July 7, despite the team's loss. Following the game, Bonner reflected on her journey, the impact basketball has had on her life, and the way her teammates view her legacy.
The Mercury lost 77-66 against the Chicago Sky in Tuesday night's matchup; however, she reached 8,000 points in the WNBA. After her recent performance, she became the third player in league history to score at least 8,000 points joining her former teammate Diana Taurasi (10,646), and Tina Charles (8,396), who recently announced her retirement.
After her game, she spoke with Suns and Phoenix Mercury writer Shane Young in an exclusive about her journey and her thoughts after capturing 8,000 points. "I really didn't; it's just surreal that basketball has taken me this far," she said," she said per Young's report.
"I'm just blessed and grateful that I can continue to play this far down the line."
Bonner was drafted by the Mercury with the fifth overall pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft out of Auburn. She led the SEC with 21.1 points per game in 2009, which has translated into a 17-year-plus career.
Since being drafted in 2009, the Phoenix forward is a two-time WNBA champion, a six-time All-Star, and a three-time Sixth Player of the Year. However, her teammates see her as much more.
In the middle of her career, she welcomed twin daughters who serve as an inspiration to her. Phoenix rookie Shay Ciezki spoke about Bonner's impact on the team. "She's amazing," Ciezki said on July 7.
She added, "She's like the mother of the group. She's just so supportive and always there for us. She's teaching in practice, teaching in games. It's just awesome to see the longevity of her career and what she's able to accomplish. I'm just excited to see — she probably has so many games ahead of her. I feel like a new game is like a new milestone for her. It's just cool to witness it and be around her every day."
Bonner, in her 17th season, is averaging 9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 steals. Currently, the 6-foot-4 forward is tenth in all-time three-pointers with 687.
While Jewell Loyd, who is in ninth place, is still an active player, Bonner could challenge her for the slot. The Mercury are currently 8-14 after their loss to Chicago and occupy the 12th slot in league rankings.
Needless to say, Bonner continues to play at a high level despite being in his 17th year.
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Built in The Valley. A legacy that tells the story. pic.twitter.com/nUUi2hFPxq
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) July 8, 2026
The Mercury lost 77-66 against the Chicago Sky in Tuesday night's matchup; however, she reached 8,000 points in the WNBA. After her recent performance, she became the third player in league history to score at least 8,000 points joining her former teammate Diana Taurasi (10,646), and Tina Charles (8,396), who recently announced her retirement.
After her game, she spoke with Suns and Phoenix Mercury writer Shane Young in an exclusive about her journey and her thoughts after capturing 8,000 points. "I really didn't; it's just surreal that basketball has taken me this far," she said," she said per Young's report.
“It’s just surreal that basketball has taken me this far.”
Exclusive with DeWanna Bonner, who her young teammates call “the mother of the group” because of the support and wisdom she brings every dayhttps://t.co/MfQCCe2Qd0
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) July 8, 2026
"I'm just blessed and grateful that I can continue to play this far down the line."
Bonner's Legacy
Bonner was drafted by the Mercury with the fifth overall pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft out of Auburn. She led the SEC with 21.1 points per game in 2009, which has translated into a 17-year-plus career.
Since being drafted in 2009, the Phoenix forward is a two-time WNBA champion, a six-time All-Star, and a three-time Sixth Player of the Year. However, her teammates see her as much more.
In the middle of her career, she welcomed twin daughters who serve as an inspiration to her. Phoenix rookie Shay Ciezki spoke about Bonner's impact on the team. "She's amazing," Ciezki said on July 7.
She added, "She's like the mother of the group. She's just so supportive and always there for us. She's teaching in practice, teaching in games. It's just awesome to see the longevity of her career and what she's able to accomplish. I'm just excited to see — she probably has so many games ahead of her. I feel like a new game is like a new milestone for her. It's just cool to witness it and be around her every day."
Bonner, in her 17th season, is averaging 9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 steals. Currently, the 6-foot-4 forward is tenth in all-time three-pointers with 687.
While Jewell Loyd, who is in ninth place, is still an active player, Bonner could challenge her for the slot. The Mercury are currently 8-14 after their loss to Chicago and occupy the 12th slot in league rankings.
Needless to say, Bonner continues to play at a high level despite being in his 17th year.
WNBA Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things WNBA. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
Continue reading...