Mercury revenge – DeWanna Bonner led the Phoenix Mercury to a 111-109 revenge win over the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday, a result that came after Monday’s loss was disrupted by technical fouls to multiple players and an ejection. Indiana also lost Caitlin
Phoenix walked into Gainbridge Fieldhouse with a bruise still fresh from Monday night’s meeting with Indiana.
On Wednesday, DeWanna Bonner and the Mercury turned that frustration into a late, hard-earned 111-109 win over the Indiana Fever. It was Phoenix’s second victory in three games, lifting the Mercury to 6-13 on the season.
The rematch didn’t carry the same temperature as the first one. There was no repeat of the series of technical fouls that had marred Monday’s tension-filled contest—technical calls were issued to DeWanna Bonner. Alyssa Thomas. Caitlin Clark. and Sophie Cunningham—and no repeat of Myisha Hines-Allen’s ejection. This time. Phoenix found a way to endure the close moments. then step up when it mattered most in the closing stretch to fend off Indiana.
Indiana’s problems worsened in the third quarter. Caitlin Clark left the game with a back injury, changing the rhythm for the Fever at a point when the Mercury were trying to control the finish.
Bonner, speaking in the postgame interview with USA Sports, framed the win as something earned the hard way—built through a season of setbacks and constant adjustments.
“We’ve been doing it all year. We kind of started with injuries when Sami (Whitcomb) went down. Just trying to figure it out, I think that’s just the game of basketball. Unfortunately, we’ve had bad luck with injuries, but everybody knows you have to step up,” Bonner said.
Sami Whitcomb remained sidelined with a knee injury, and Natasha Mack was also out with a foot injury. With Mack out. Bonner was inserted into the starting lineup—and she produced in a way that answered the urgency of the moment. The veteran forward finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, and two steals.
Bonner didn’t pretend the Mercury were fully synced yet. She acknowledged they are still searching for their rhythm, but insisted beating Indiana was the kind of lift that helps a team regroup.
“It just builds confidence. It shows our character. We stick together no matter what. It has taken a minute to find our groove. but this was a huge help and a huge win for us. ” added Bonner. The two-time champion also referenced her connection to the Fever. noting she had a brief stint with the team last season before returning to Phoenix.
Kahleah Copper carried plenty of the offensive load for the Mercury as well. She led Phoenix with 28 points and three rebounds, going 15-of-16 from the free-throw line. Alyssa Thomas followed with 24 points, four rebounds, and eight assists.
For all the emotion of the win, Phoenix’s week isn’t finished. The Mercury will return to action on Saturday against the Toronto Tempo.
Phoenix Mercury DeWanna Bonner Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark Natasha Mack Sami Whitcomb Alyssa Thomas Kahleah Copper WNBA Gainbridge Fieldhouse 111-109