DeWanna Bonner dropped 21 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, leading the Phoenix Mercury to a 72-63 bounce-back win over the Connecticut Sun on July 19. Those six boards weren’t just crucial for the game, they rewrote the history books: Bonner officially passed Brittney Griner to become the Mercury’s all-time leading rebounder in that clutch performance at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Bonner’s Masterclass and a Strategic Shift
The Mercury were reeling after a “lackluster performance” against the Sun just two days prior, on July 17. Head coach Nate Tibbetts and the squad needed a new game plan, and they found it in their 17-year veteran. Instead of relying on star powerhouses Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas to drive the offense, the Mercury explicitly *enlisted Bonner* to lead the charge. This strategic shift paid off big time, with Bonner thriving on backdoor cuts with Thomas, pouring in her 21 points to secure the much-needed victory. It wasn’t just about the points, though, was it? Those 6 rebounds were the key to making franchise history.
Copper Steps Up as a Playmaker When It Counts
Kahleah Copper, who has been vocal about wanting to be a playmaker this season, showed flashes of that vision against the Sun. In the first quarter, Copper was dishing dimes, helping to set up Bonner and Monique Akoa Makani on 12 of the Mercury’s 18 points. She and Alyssa Thomas combined for nine of the team’s twelve assists in the first half. But when the fourth quarter hit and Phoenix had a tight five-point lead, Copper knew it was time to flip the switch. She took over, scoring 10 of her 18 total points in the final ten minutes, sealing the deal. “It was not about scoring early, it was about making the right decisions and knowing that we’ll open it up down the stretch,” Copper said, showing that veteran clutch mentality. The Mercury are now 9-18, finding their rhythm one game at a time.
This win was more than just a notch in the win column for the 9-18 Mercury; it was a statement. With Bonner setting a new franchise mark and Copper stepping into her own as a late-game closer, this Phoenix squad might just be finding their identity. What’s next for this Mercury team? Can they build on this momentum and keep climbing?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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