Bonner’s Return to Indiana Sparks Mixed Reactions

Phoenix Mercury forward Dewanna Bonner made her return to Indianapolis on Wednesday night in a game against the Indiana Fever, her first encounter since being separated from the team earlier in the season.

As she checked into the game, she was met with boos from the Fever crowd. Bonner managed to score four points in 21 minutes, but ultimately, Indiana triumphed over Phoenix with a score of 107-101.

Curly Copper, a star player for the Mercury and four-time All-Star, expressed her dismay over the fans’ reaction. She acknowledged Bonner’s ability to handle the situation well but questioned the hostility directed at her. “I don’t get it. She’s a legend in this league. The way they treated her was just rude; it doesn’t sit right with me,” Copper noted. “DB is a sweet soul—it’s unfortunate how things turned out for her here.”

This incident hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially as this isn’t the first time Fever fans have drawn criticism. Earlier this year, accusations arose regarding a fan making hateful comments towards a Chicago Sky player, although the WNBA found no evidence to support the claim. Such incidents have raised concerns about the atmosphere in Indiana.

Bonner’s journey has been a bit complicated. She joined the Connecticut Sun this offseason after spending five seasons with Indiana. Following only nine games with the Fever, she was released, mentioning that the situation just wasn’t a good fit.

Returning to the Mercury seems to have marked a new chapter for her career, even though its start came with some unexpected challenges.