The Indiana Fever’s road trip to Phoenix took an unexpected turn when star rookie Caitlin Clark exchanged words with veteran DeWanna Bonner. What started as a routine foul call quickly escalated into a fiery moment that had fans buzzing inside the Footprint Center and across social media.
There’s no shortage of tension between Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner. Their rivalry has been building since Bonner’s short-lived stint with the Fever earlier this season, and Tuesday night’s game only added more fuel to the fire.
Bonner originally signed with Indiana in the offseason but left just nine games into the season, citing a poor fit with the roster. Fans felt betrayed by her departure, and the boos were loud when she returned to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in July as a member of the Mercury. Her move back to Phoenix, where she played 10 seasons earlier in her career, seemed like a natural fit for her—but Indiana fans haven’t forgiven her.
During Tuesday’s matchup in Phoenix, tensions rose in the third quarter after a foul call on Lexie Hull. Clark, sidelined with a right groin injury, was visibly frustrated with the decision. As Bonner slowly made her way back to the Mercury bench, Clark appeared to wave her off and said something in her direction. Bonner didn’t hesitate to turn around, with a referee between them, and fired back with her own words. The exchange drew loud boos from Fever fans in attendance, while Clark continued to wave Bonner toward the Mercury bench.
The sequence instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of the game. Fever fans online applauded Clark’s competitive fire, while Mercury supporters backed Bonner’s veteran toughness. The Fever challenged the call on Hull, but the ruling stood—adding even more frustration to an already heated moment.
For the Fever, the exchange highlights not just a personal rivalry but also the team’s growing pains in finding consistency on the court. With Clark sidelined, Indiana is still searching for momentum, while Bonner and the Mercury are eyeing a playoff push. One thing is certain: the next time these two teams face off, all eyes will be on Clark and Bonner.
Comment Section Prompt
Do you think Caitlin Clark was right to wave Bonner away, or should she have let it slide? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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