Mercury star criticizes Fever fans in latest WNBA news

DeWanna Bonner, a forward for the Phoenix Mercury, returned to Indianapolis on Wednesday night for her first game against the Indiana Fever since their split earlier in the season.

Upon her entrance into the game, Bonner was greeted with some boos from the Fever crowd. Despite scoring four points in 21 minutes, Indiana emerged victorious over Phoenix, with a final score of 107-101.

Kahleah Copper, a star player for the Mercury, expressed discontent with the boos directed at Bonner. Copper, a four-time All-Star and WNBA champion, defended Bonner and questioned the fans’ behavior.

“I just don’t understand. Like, she’s a legend. All the things she’s done for the league, and just then the disrespect, I just can’t get down with it. They booed her. She didn’t say a word to the crowd. People talked some trash to her, but we had her back,” Copper stated.

Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper, #2, dribbles the ball in the second half at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., on July 27, 2025. (Emily Faith Morgan-Imagn Images)

Fever fans faced criticism from WNBA players across the league for their treatment of Bonner. Earlier in the year, a fan in Indianapolis was accused of making hateful comments toward Chicago Sky players, though the WNBA found no evidence to support the claim.

Bonner, who joined the Fever in the offseason after five seasons with the Connecticut Sun, played only nine games with Indiana before being released. She cited a lack of fit with the team as the reason for her departure.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, #22, yells in excitement on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Following her release, Bonner returned to the Mercury, where she began her professional career.

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