DeWanna Bonner's Breakout 2012 Season with Phoenix Mercury

The WNBA star's transition from sixth woman to starting role led to a career-best performance.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:15pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in bold, vibrant colors depicting the action and movement of a WNBA basketball game, with no recognizable faces or logos.A cubist interpretation of a pivotal WNBA moment, capturing the dynamic energy and multi-faceted talent of star player DeWanna Bonner.Phoenix Today

In 2012, DeWanna Bonner had a breakout season with the Phoenix Mercury, transitioning from a reserve player to a starting role and averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Despite the Mercury's losing record that year, Bonner's standout performances, including a 38-point game, showcased her versatility and impact on both ends of the court.

Why it matters

Bonner's 2012 season marked a significant shift in her career, as she adapted to a new starting role and emerged as a cornerstone of the Mercury franchise. Her breakout performance that year laid the foundation for her continued success in the WNBA, including stints with the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever before returning to the Mercury in 2025.

The details

After winning the Sixth Woman of the Year award in 2009, 2010, and 2011, Bonner transitioned to a starting role for the Mercury in 2012. She responded with a career-best season, averaging 20.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. The highlight of her season was a 38-point performance against the San Antonio Silver Stars, though the Mercury ultimately lost that game by a single point. Despite the team's 7-27 record and failure to make the playoffs, Bonner's standout play was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season.

  • Bonner joined the Phoenix Mercury in 2009, the same year the team won their second WNBA championship.
  • Bonner was named Sixth Woman of the Year in 2009, 2010, and 2011 before transitioning to a starting role in 2012.
  • In 2012, Bonner averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game.

The players

DeWanna Bonner

A WNBA player who spent the majority of her career with the Phoenix Mercury, earning multiple Sixth Woman of the Year awards before transitioning to a starting role in 2012 and having a breakout season.

Diana Taurasi

A legendary WNBA player who led the Phoenix Mercury to their second championship in 2009, the same year Bonner joined the team.

Charde Houston

A Mercury player who contributed significantly in the 38-point game against the San Antonio Silver Stars, scoring 19 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing 3 assists, and recording 2 steals.

San Antonio Silver Stars

The opposing team that defeated the Mercury by a single point in the game where Bonner scored a career-high 38 points.

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The takeaway

DeWanna Bonner's 2012 season with the Phoenix Mercury marked a significant turning point in her career, as she transitioned from a reserve player to a starting role and delivered a standout performance that laid the foundation for her continued success in the WNBA. Despite the team's struggles that year, Bonner's breakout season demonstrated her ability to adapt and excel in a new role, cementing her status as a cornerstone of the Mercury franchise.