DeWanna Bonner’s season was supposed to be over. Two months ago, she was packing up after the Phoenix Mercury missed the playoffs—but then the plot twist happened. On August 24, the Mercury released the 39-year-old veteran, and just three days later, the Atlanta Dream snatched her up. It was lowkey the ultimate mid-season W upgrade.
The veteran effect
Bonner is in her 17th season, and she’s lowkey the most experienced player to ever step on a WNBA court. She holds the record for most postseason appearances with 103 games. To put that in perspective, Dream rookie Isobel Borlase has only played 44 regular-season games in her entire career. When Bonner debuted in 2009, Borlase was a toddler.
Dream GM Dan Padover called the move a stroke of luck, noting the team had been chasing her for years. Now that she’s in the locker room, her impact is undeniable. Coach Karl Smesko says she brings a "calming voice" and the "right thing to say at the right moment." Teammate Allisha Gray keeps it real: "When DB speaks, you listen."
Delivering on the court
Bonner isn't just a leader; she’s highkey putting up numbers. During the playoffs, she flipped a 11-point deficit against the Washington Mystics into a 15-point dub, and she dropped 23 points against the New York Liberty when the team needed her most. She’s been consistent, scoring in double figures in four out of five playoff games and snagging her 20th career postseason double-double.
Bonner says she’s teaching the team to stay "even keel" during this best-of-seven series, while the rest of the squad keeps her locked in. It’s giving championship chemistry.
Why it matters
The Atlanta Dream haven't been to the Finals since 2013, and they’ve never secured a WNBA title. By adding a two-time champion with more playoff experience than the rest of their roster combined, the Dream have transformed into a legitimate contender. If Atlanta takes home the trophy, it’s going to be because they banked on a veteran who refused to quit.
