Caitlin Clark Hypes Crowd After Fever Thwarted DeWanna Bonner’s Return With Epic Win

DeWanna Bonner's time with Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever was short-lived after she struggled to gel with the young core.

Caitlin Clark Hypes Crowd After Fever Thwarted DeWanna Bonner’s Return With Epic Win

Caitlin Clark was hyped after Fever win on DeWanna Bonner's return (Image via FirstSportz)

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DeWanna Bonner was among the first players the Indiana Fever reached out to when they decided to assemble a championship-caliber team around Caitlin Clark. Their goal was to bring in veteran leadership to help the young squad grow.

Her length and pace were thought to be a good fit alongside the fast Fever core players, and she was enjoying her time in Indiana. Then, she was struggling to sync with them and was soon out of the starting lineup.

She took a few games off due to personal reasons and asked for a way out of the Fever. They tried looking for trade destinations, but Bonner made it clear she would go to either of two teams.

The Atlanta Dream and Phoenix Mercury probably did not have the assets that interested the Fever, and they subsequently released the 6-time All-Star. She then made her way back to the Mercury as a free agent.

During her time, the Fever won a few games, but they struggled mightily, especially when Bonner sounded off her frustrations. All of these aspects played into her return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse today.

She was arguably on a better team, destined to fight for a title. It was the home squad who were determined to win in front of their fans. On one play, their determination shone through when Natasha Howard and Lexie Hull combined to stop Bonner from converting a shot.

This resulted in a shot clock violation, and the Indian Fever received the ball. Knowing how that turnover would matter in a closely fought game, Caitlin Clark cheered and started hyping up the crowd.

It was as if she and her team wanted to make a statement against one of the better teams in the league. Moreover, it was also an answer to Bonner’s fiancée, Alyssa Thomas‘ taunts at the Fever crowd.

DeWanna Bonner booed on Fever return

Since joining the Phoenix Mercury, DeWanna Bonner seems to have adjusted to a substitute’s role. She might soon become a starter, but until that time, she has to first learn the ways of her new teammates.

Tonight, against the Indiana Fever, she came off the bench to a round of boos. It was not from the entire crowd, but rather it was from a few who were sitting behind the player benches.

Then those boos returned when she made her way back to the bench. As she was sitting down, Alyssa Thomas started jawing with fans and apparently claimed that Bonner had joined a real team.

This ended up blowing back in their faces. The Indiana Fever held a lead for much of the 2nd and 3rd quarter, but Thomas and the Mercury were close behind. A stellar defensive effort in the 4th quarter helped Caitlin Clark’s teammates register a stellar 107-101 win.

DeWanna Bonner’s new teammate criticizes Fever fans for booing her

Indiana Fever fans were celebrating this win over the Phoenix Mercury, as it meant they exacted revenge on DeWanna Bonner. The boos might not have been loud enough, but they were enough to come to the attention of some Mercury players.

DeWanna Bonner greeted by Fever players at shootaround
DeWanna Bonner greeted by Fever players at shootaround (Image via Phoenix Mercury/X)

I don’t understand. She is a legend. All the things she has done for the league. Just the disrespect. They booed her. She didn’t say a word to the crowd. People talked some trash to her. It’s very distasteful for what their fan base is doing. She’s the sweetest soul.

Kahleah Copper said to the media

Kahleah Copper added that Bonner’s time with the Fever did not work out the way they wanted, but she believed the fans did not need to boo her in this manner. It also should be noted that pictures from the shoot around ahead of the game show some Fever players speaking with the 2-time champion.

This means most of the criticism directed at DeWanna Bonner came from Indian Fever fans. At a time when their reputation was restored by their gestures at the All-Star weekend, this might set narratives racing across media outlets.

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