For a player of DeWanna Bonner’s stature, a 2X WNBA champion, 5X All-Star, and a future Hall of Famer, joining the Fever in 2025 was supposed to be a seamless transition. But a one-year vet deal meant to anchor a young roster led by Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston quickly unraveled into one of the season’s most jarring fallouts.

So, while Bonner entered the season with expectations to bring leadership, poise, and scoring, she found herself averaging just 7.1 points, with 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, which is by far the lowest of her 16-year career. Even her field-goal percentage dipped to a career-low 34.5%, and the usual flair and rhythm that defined her Sun days, where she averaged 15.0 PPG just last season, and what Stephanie White was hopeful to see, seemed completely absent.

Despite her history with HC White, who once lauded her “remarkable consistency,” Bonner’s place in Indiana never quite clicked. White tried to make the pairing work but ultimately admitted: “I love DB… she’s a Hall of Famer… I always want her to be happy. Things happen quickly, and being able to mesh—sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t.” Well, Bonner did start the first three games for the Fever, but after being benched for Lexie Hull, Bonner was ultimately waived by the Fever this past week. A tough end for the veteran’s forgettable career with Caitlin Clark’s Indiana. On the flip side, Angel Reese, who was phenomenal in her recent win over the LA Sparks, credited a “veteran force” for the Sky’s remarkable win over the Sparks.

At 32, Elizabeth Williams was phenomenal for the Sky last night. Even after an early 48-36 lead in the third quarter, L.A. was running riot in the last quarter with a 17-3 run. And had it not been for Williams’ late heroics (12 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks), the Sky were set to lose another game. So, when Reese was asked about what changed in the fourth quarter for Chicago, Reese had full praise for the veteran center. “I mean, kudos to Eve. She’s done a great job stepping up and being in that role. I mean, a lot of times you have a vet like that who just brings the right energy every single day,” Reese said during the post-game presser.

And no doubt, Reese was right, especially considering that Kamilla Cardoso’s absence could’ve easily become the Chicago Sky’s Achilles’ heel. With the 6’7” Brazilian center off representing her country at the AmeriCup, the Sky lost their most dominant interior presence, someone averaging 7.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, and whose physicality down low had become central to the Sky’s defensive identity.

And the timing? Even more painful. Just days before her departure, Cardoso went full beast mode against the Phoenix Mercury, dropping 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting, including a silky baseline jumper. Well, HC Tyler Marsh said it best: “She asserted herself early today. She did a good job of being aggressive before they could bring double-teams.” Well, her presence was so overwhelming that Chicago won the points-in-the-paint battle 36-30—the only category they led in during a tough 107-86 loss.

Chicago Sky HC lauds Elizabeth Williams

When Kamilla Cardoso stepped away temporarily, it felt like the Sky were about to lose their defensive spine. But before anything could go wrong, Elizabeth Williams flipped the script. Stepping in as starting center against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena, the 11-year WNBA veteran delivered exactly what the Sky needed: experience, leadership, and quiet dominance.

So, it wasn’t really a surprise that Coach Marsh gave Williams her flowers too: “[Angel and Elizabeth] set the tone early. Those two asserted themselves inside.” And the numbers backed it up, too, as together, Reese and Williams combined for 36 points and 25 rebounds, a paint presence that shut down any lingering concerns about Cardoso’s absence.

So, while Ezy’s overall season numbers in 2025, 7.1 points with 4.1 rebounds in 18.1 minutes of game play might not scream “starter,” her impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. Especially considering that just last season, she averaged 10.0 points with 7.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.7 steals, making her one of the league’s most versatile defenders.

And against the Sparks, she revived that 2024 version of herself when the Sky needed it most!