DeWanna Bonner Breaks Phoenix Mercury Rebounding Record

Bonner Surpasses Griner on Mercury’s Career Boards

DeWanna Bonner moved past Brittney Griner to claim the Phoenix Mercury’s all‑time rebounding title on Sunday. The 38‑year‑old forward collected nine rebounds against the Connecticut Sun, sealing her place atop the franchise’s career list. Bonner entered the game just behind Griner’s former mark of 2,322 rebounds and crossed the threshold with a strong performance.

The Mercury celebrated the milestone moments after it was secured, posting on social media: “DeWanna Bonner just became the Phoenix Mercury’s all‑time leader in rebounds. Congratulations DB!” Bonner also posted a season‑high 21 points, helping Phoenix snap a five‑game losing streak with a 72‑63 win over the Sun.

Griner, playing for Connecticut, contributed 19 points and 12 rebounds in the game. The former Mercury star was in the arena to witness Bonner’s achievement, and the two shared a lighthearted laugh after the contest, signaling no hard feelings between the rivals.

The Path That Led Bonner to the Top

Bonner was selected fifth overall in the 2009 WNBA Draft and spent her first decade with the Mercury, capturing championships in 2009 and 2014. She emerged as a six‑time All‑Star and a two‑time champion while becoming one of the league’s leading career scorers.

After leaving Phoenix before the 2020 season, Bonner joined the Connecticut Sun and stayed through 2024. A brief stint with the Indiana Fever in 2025 lasted only nine games before she returned to the Mercury. The reunion gave her the playing time needed to surpass Griner’s rebound total.

Bonner’s longevity has translated into more cumulative rebounds despite a slightly lower per‑game average of about six. Her career span now includes another major milestone that adds depth to a résumé built over nearly two decades.

Griner’s Legacy Remains Unchanged

Brittney Griner spent 11 seasons with the Mercury after being the 2013 WNBA Draft’s first overall pick. She ranks second in franchise scoring with 5,572 points and leads the Mercury in blocked shots (812) and two‑point field goals (2,183).

Griner’s 7.4 rebounds per game average stays the highest in Mercury history, underscoring her impact as a dominant interior presence. She departed Phoenix after the 2024 campaign, spent a year with the Atlanta Dream, and is now set for a 2026 stint with the Connecticut Sun.

The loss of the rebounding record does not diminish Griner’s standing in Phoenix lore. Her reaction to Bonner’s achievement—an open smile and shared laughter—showed that the record could not have gone to someone she respects more.

Broader WNBA Context

The back‑and‑forth between Bonner and Griner highlights the evolving nature of franchise history as players move between teams. Bonner’s journey—from a draft pick to a two‑time champion, a brief detour, and a triumphant return—exemplifies the durability required to break long‑standing marks.

As Bonner adds the rebounding crown to her list of honors, she joins a small group of players who have redefined what it means to be a cornerstone of a WNBA franchise. Her ability to adapt to different roles and teams continues to shape the competitive landscape of the league.