DeWanna Bonner’s shot wasn’t falling. She sat at a brutal 5-for-28 shooting in the last four games before entering Game 4 of the semis against the Minnesota Lynx. But when it mattered the most, she delivered. She drained three key 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to come back from a 13-point deficit. All this helped the Mercury past the Lynx, 86-81, and straight into the Finals for the first time since 2021. So, you could call her Phoenix’s lucky charm.

Just last season, Bonner played with the Sun, but this offseason she became one of the Fever’s prized free agents. The fit didn’t work out, though, and just nine games later, Bonner left. And while many still criticize her for quitting, no doubt the move worked out well for both sides. While Indy got more glove-like players, Bonner got back home. As she said in the postgame press conference, “I’m home…I’m back to where it all began. The love has been real since I’ve been back here. There’s no greater feeling than putting on that jersey for me.” And yes, it really is her home.

She was drafted fifth overall back in 2009 by the Mercury, and now she’s back with the team. AT and co. wanted her to join too. “Luckily, the last two off seasons, we’ve tried to get DB to come back to Phoenix. And so we’ve been able to build a relationship a little bit. Unfortunately, she didn’t pick us twice. Third time is a charm. I think AT helped in that a little bit,” shared Nate Tibbetts in a post-game press conference.

“I mean what a story for her to come back after playing here for ten years, and you never know for sure how it’s gonna work right. But we knew that we needed to add another veteran to our group for these situations,” Tibbetts added. “And like all the things that she’s done in the playoffs, the number of games, the threes, the points. I mean, it’s one of the greatest playoff players ever, right. And so we would not be sitting here for a lot of reasons. Without her game four in Minnesota hitting those three big threes, she couldn’t hit a shot the first three games and the bright lights don’t scare her and you know, we’re very lucky to have her.“

Well, the third time really is a charm, considering the attitude and perspective Bonner brought when joining Indy’s roster. Everything was just right—she was the defensive strength the team needed. Even White knew her weaknesses and skills well, and with her championship experience, she was the ideal candidate Indy could ask for. But as she didn’t find herself fitting in, it paved the path for her return to the Mercury.

Just consider that she was struggling, putting up her lowest player efficiency rating of 12.1 in her 16-year career. But ever since returning to Phoenix, she’s become a double-edged sword for Tibbetts—off the bench and on it. “We went and got her for a reason,” coach Nate Tibbetts said in a Game 4 postgame press conference.

He further added, “I told her after the game that the first three games weren’t a big enough moment for her. She needed a fourth quarter to step up.” And that was how Bonner ended up with 13 points off the bench. Now you might be thinking White’s a good coach too, so why is Bonner excelling at Phoenix only and not Indy? Well, there’s a reason!

AT and DB thrive as partners on and off the court!

No matter how much you love your partner, you might never want to work alongside them in the workplace. But Alyssa Thomas and Bonner discovered that they can make it work. “She motivates me in life, at work,” Bonner told the Chronicle on July 14. “So, really, that’s two normal people that have a competitive edge and that want to win. So, kind of bringing that together works on the court.”

Well, Thomas provides moral support too, which helps her fiancée remain confident and perform her best. And honestly, all this was needed because you know the extent Fever fans could go to. Remember the first game versus Indy? The audience literally booed DB, and she felt it. She’s even endured irrelevant comments and social media criticism since then. So AT’s support was needed, especially since the two have played four seasons together on the Sun and proved they’re better together.

But yes, they’re not done yet, as the championship title is still to be lifted. But it all seems easy for Bonner. “I mean, it amazes me when I relisten to the games and like all the things that she’s done in the playoffs—the number of games, the threes, the points. I mean, it’s one of the greatest playoff players ever, right?” HC added.

She’s already left her mark on the Mercury franchise. She’s averaging 7.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, with 1.3 steals and assists this postseason. She’s even had three games of 10 or more points in the playoff run. While she’s coming off the bench to contribute to the team’s total, she might come in as a starter soon, considering her impact. So yes, it will be interesting to see how it all unfolds. What do you think? Will AT and DB be able to win the championship together?