DeWanna Bonner Shines in Phoenix Mercury's Playoff Run

The veteran forward's impact is undeniable, but is her role sometimes overlooked?

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:43am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a WNBA playoff game, with vibrant colors and overlapping shapes representing the players and the intensity of the competition.DeWanna Bonner's playoff heroics for the Phoenix Mercury showcase the veteran forward's enduring impact on the team's postseason success.Phoenix Today

DeWanna Bonner's impact on the Phoenix Mercury's playoff journey is undeniable, as the veteran forward delivered strong performances throughout the team's postseason run. Bonner, who re-signed with the Mercury midway through the 2025 season, proved to be a consistent offensive threat and a reliable presence on the boards, averaging 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game across the entire season.

Why it matters

Bonner's contributions in the playoffs were crucial to the Mercury's success, as her veteran leadership, scoring prowess, and rebounding ability made her a valuable asset to the team. However, some argue that her impact is sometimes overlooked, and that a single good game doesn't define a player's overall playoff contribution.

The details

During the Mercury's playoff run, Bonner showcased her skills and experience, with her standout performance coming in the third game of the series against the Las Vegas Aces. In that game, she exploded for 25 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and even added a block to her stat line. Over the course of the playoff run, the three-time Sixth Woman of the Year accumulated a total of 100 points, further solidifying her place in Mercury franchise history. Bonner currently sits third on the team's all-time postseason scoring list with 744 points, behind only WNBA legends Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner.

  • Bonner re-signed with the Mercury midway through the 2025 season.
  • Bonner's standout performance came in the third game of the series against the Las Vegas Aces.

The players

DeWanna Bonner

A veteran forward who has played for the Phoenix Mercury since 2009, with a stint playing for other teams. She re-signed with the Mercury midway through the 2025 season and proved to be a consistent offensive threat and a reliable presence on the boards.

Diana Taurasi

A WNBA legend and the all-time leading scorer in Mercury franchise history, with 1,486 points in the playoffs.

Brittney Griner

A former Mercury star who ranks second on the team's all-time postseason scoring list with 834 points.

Kahleah Copper

A current Mercury star who sits in eighth place on the team's all-time postseason scoring list with 225 points.

Satou Sabally

A current Mercury star who sits in ninth place on the team's all-time postseason scoring list with 190 points.

Alyssa Thomas

A current Mercury star who is close behind Copper and Sabally on the team's all-time postseason scoring list with 186 points.

A'ja Wilson

The Las Vegas Aces star who hit a clutch shot to defeat the Mercury in the third game of the playoff series.

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What’s next

Bonner has a chance to climb even higher on the Mercury's all-time postseason scoring list, and the team's current stars are also making their mark on the franchise's record books.

The takeaway

DeWanna Bonner's consistent playoff performances and her position among the Mercury's all-time greats highlight her significant impact on the team's success. While some may argue that a single good game doesn't define a player's overall playoff contribution, Bonner's veteran leadership, scoring prowess, and rebounding ability have been invaluable to the Mercury throughout their postseason runs.