The Phoenix Mercury scored a big win on Wednesday after beating the Indiana Fever, 111-109, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Mercury notched their second win in three games, improving to 6-13.
Phoenix exacted revenge against Indiana after losing on Monday in their tension-filled contest, marred by technical fouls to DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, and the ejection of Myisha Hines-Allen.
Their rematch was not as heated, and the Mercury stepped up in crunch time to fend off the Fever, who lost Caitlin Clark in the third quarter due to a back injury.
In the postgame interview with USA Sports, Bonner credited their resolve.
“We've been doing it all year. We kind of started with injuries when Sami (Whitcomb) went down. Just trying to figure it out, I think that's just the game of basketball. Unfortunately, we've had bad luck with injuries, but everybody knows you have to step up,” said Bonner.
Bonner was inserted into the starting lineup with Natasha Mack sidelined by a foot injury. The veteran forward did not disappoint, tallying 13 points, eight rebounds, and two steals.
Whitcomb was still out with a knee injury.
The 38-year-old Bonner acknowledged that they are still finding their rhythm, but beating the Fever was a step in the right direction.
“It just builds confidence. It shows our character. We stick together no matter what. It has taken a minute to find our groove, but this was a huge help and a huge win for us,” added the two-time champion, who had a brief stint with the Fever last season before returning to the Mercury.
Kahleah Copper led the way with 28 points and three rebounds. She went 15-of-16 from the free-throw line. Alyssa Thomas added 24 points, four rebounds, and eight assists.
Phoenix will return to action on Saturday against the Toronto Tempo.
