After beating the Mercury, Indiana Fever fans were grateful that they had Aari McDonald instead of DeWanna Bonner.
“Thank You DeWanna Bonner”: Fever Fans Sound Off After Big Win originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
DeWanna Bonner's first visit to Gainbridge Fieldhouse since she was waived by the Indiana Fever (15-12) ended in an emphatic 107-101 defeat for the Phoenix Mercury (16-10).
McDonald Outshines Bonner in Her Return
Six-time All-Star Bonner returned quietly. She finished with just four points and one rebound in 21 minutes off the bench.
The Fever, playing without injured Caitlin Clark for the 14th time this WNBA season, were led by guard Aari McDonald, who dropped in a season-high 27 points.
Center Aliyah Boston joined in the fun with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Mercury All-Star Alyssa Thomas had a game-high 32 points.
Bonner's Exit Allowed the Fever to Sign Aari McDonald
Watching McDonald steal the show on Bonner's return was especially cathartic for the 17,274 Fever fans in attendance and many more on social media.
Bonner was waived by the Fever on June 25 after playing just nine games. She confirmed in a statement that she requested to leave the team, citing her feeling that “the fit did not work out.”
After shedding her $200,000 contract, the Fever decided to bring in the dynamic McDonald — who had played well in three games as a temporary signing earlier in the season — instead of signing another forward.
Fever Fans Say Thanks to DeWanna Bonner
"Thank you DeWanna Bonner for making way for Aari McDonald," a fan said after the win on X. "Your contributions will not be forgotten."
The sarcastic tone pervaded social media as "gratitude" poured in for Bonner.
Thank you, Dewanna Bonner for gifting us Aari McDonald with your departure. A true blessing 🙏
— 🌕 (@moonstranding_) July 31, 2025
"Thank you Dewanna Bonner," said another X user who posted her stats.
"Dewanna Bonner thank you," added a fan. "You made right decision to leave so we can get Aari McDonald."
Thank you, DeWanna Bonner for Aari McDonald! https://t.co/Z8gdIk5Y2I
— 𝕭𝖞𝖚𝖓𝖌𝖍𝖔 𝕷𝖊𝖊 (@NoWisdomTeeth) July 31, 2025
"Thank you Bonner for letting us get Aari," said one ruthless fan, who could not wait to see Bonner leave. "You and (Alyssa Thomas) go on and get going to the airport."
Though most of the "thank you" posts were laced with irony, the prevailing narrative from all parties is that Bonner leaving the Fever worked out best for everyone. Since reuniting with the Mercury, Bonner has averaged 11.5 points (against 7.1 with the Fever) and 5.0 rebounds per game (vs. 3.8 with Indiana) in six contests.
Related: Mercury Coach Sends Clear Message To Fever Fans About DeWanna Bonner
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
