During a tense matchup between the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday night, injured Fever star Caitlin Clark found herself in a heated confrontation with veteran Mercury player DeWanna Bonner. The exchange, which occurred after Bonner signaled for a replay on a previous call, escalated quickly, with Clark appearing to confront Bonner before she was escorted back to her bench by teammates. The Mercury ultimately won the game, 85-7, while Clark’s team fell to 21-20 on the season. The incident reignited tensions between the two players, who have a history of on-court disputes, including a notable clash during last season’s playoff matchup that required intervention.
Bonner, who briefly joined the Fever for the 2023 season before requesting her release due to a fitness issue, returned to the Mercury, where she spent the first 10 seasons of her career. This marked a return to familiar territory, as the veteran player had previously faced Clark on multiple occasions. Their latest encounter highlighted the ongoing rivalry between the two athletes, both of whom have established themselves as key players in the WNBA. Bonner, with 19 points and four rebounds in her 25 minutes of play, delivered a strong performance for the Mercury, further solidifying her place in the team’s lineup and their pursuit of a playoff berth.
The outcome of the game, however, was less favorable for the Indiana Fever, whose season is now entering its final stretch with three games remaining. They currently sit in eighth place in the WNBA standings, still in the running for a playoff spot. Clark, who remains sidelined on a groin injury, is a crucial cog for the team, and her absence has been felt in the Fever’s performance this season. The team’s fate will be decided in the upcoming games against the Chicago Sky, Washington Mystics, and Minnesota Lynx, all of which will be critical tests for the Fever as they aim to secure a postseason berth. Meanwhile, the Mercury, already secured a playoff spot, will focus on strengthening their position in the standings as the regular season comes to a close.