DeWanna Bonner Sets All‑Time Mercury Rebound Mark

Bonner Leads Mercury to Bounce‑Back Win

The Phoenix Mercury turned to DeWanna Bonner to anchor its offense after a sluggish loss to the Connecticut Sun on July 17. Bonner delivered 21 points and grabbed six rebounds, surpassing Brittney Griner to become the franchise’s all‑time rebound leader. The team secured a 72‑63 victory on July 19 at Mortgage Matchup Center, marking a much‑needed turnaround.

The veteran forward also showcased her playmaking by finding open teammates, especially Alyssa Thomas. Bonner’s eight assists on the night highlighted her dual threat as scorer and distributor. Her performance earned praise from coach Nate Tibbetts for bolstering the Mercury’s composure.

Shift in Offensive Role

Stars Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas were largely sidelined in favor of Bonner’s leadership, a strategic move by the coaching staff. Copper embraced a new playmaking role, setting up Bonner and Monique Akoa Makani for 12 of Phoenix’s 18 points in the opening quarter. Thomas and Copper combined for nine of the team’s 12 assists in the first half, signaling a balanced attack.

When the Mercury built a five‑point cushion early in the fourth stanza, Copper answered with 10 of her 18 points in the final ten minutes. Her late surge underscored the team’s trust in her scoring ability while still maintaining the overall game plan. Bonner’s ability to create buckets for others helped the Mercury stretch the lead when needed.

Defensive Stars Shine

Phoenix’s defense turned the tide against a high‑scoring Connecticut squad, forcing eight points in the first quarter through turnovers. Noemie Brochant and Monique Akoa Makani anchored pick‑and‑roll defenses, limiting Leila Lacan to just seven points and nine turnovers. Coach Nate Tibbetts praised the unit for tightening up after the Sun had been racking up points in previous games.

The Mercury kept the Sun to only two points behind despite Brittney Griner’s 19‑point effort. Griner’s 7‑of‑12 shooting was the only bright spot for Connecticut, while the Mercury’s collective pressure disrupted the Sun’s rhythm. The defensive resolve set the stage for the fourth‑quarter comeback.

Natasha Mack Returns

Center Natasha Mack made her first appearance after missing eight games with a left‑foot injury, contributing five points and five rebounds in 19 minutes. Her presence in the paint bolstered the Mercury’s rebounding and sparked a defensive intensity in the fourth quarter. Copper highlighted Mack’s impact, noting her ability to guard the pick‑and‑roll and provide interior presence.

Mack’s limited minutes were a result of league restrictions, but the Mercury still found ways to utilize her talents. The coaching staff expressed optimism that Mack will be fully available soon, noting the team’s need for her inside scoring and defensive versatility. Her return signals a potential boost as Phoenix looks to climb out of its 9‑18 record slump.

Next Stop: Los Angeles

After the win over the Sun, the Mercury will head to Los Angeles to face the Sparks on July 22, followed by an All‑Star break spanning July 23 to 27. The upcoming road trip will serve as a gauge of the momentum the team has built after the defensive improvements. Phoenix will look to carry the same discipline and balance that propelled them to the win against Connecticut.

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