“I have nothing to prove, so I just go out there and do the things that kept me in there for 16 years. I\u2019m just happy to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bonner became accustomed to winning throughout her career, earning two championships with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014, and building an impressive run with the Connecticut Sun that included one Finals appearance and five semifinal appearances.<\/p>\n
In Connecticut, she developed strong chemistry with Thomas, which later turned into an engagement. Current players such as Azzi Fudd have been questioned about their personal relationships affecting their on-court dynamics, but Bonner knows from experience that the two dynamics can be separate.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel my personal relationship is my personal relationship. AT and I have been doing this for a long time,” Bonner said. “I feel like we know how to handle things. We handle business when it\u2019s business, and we have our relationship. Obviously, it worked.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) and forward Alyssa Thomas talk during the second half in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces, Oct. 3, 2025, in Las Vegas.\u00a0<\/p>\n
John Locher, Associated Press<\/p>\n
“We\u2019ve been playing together for eight or nine years now. I just feel like it\u2019s personal preference and whatever that people feel like they need to do in their relationship to keep it going, that\u2019s what they do. And we do what we do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bonner\u2019s presence and knowledge have inspired other players, especially younger players. Four-year guard Kiana Williams doesn\u2019t tease Bonner about her age and instead respects what she\u2019s done.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe takes great care of her body,\u201d Williams said. \u201cIt\u2019s a blessing to be out here at that age. I\u2019m out here watching what she\u2019s doing because hopefully I can be playing that long one day. She\u2019s in great shape, and she looks like it\u2019s Year 2 out here.<\/p>\n
“She\u2019s fresh and she\u2019s talking. It\u2019s nice having that vet because she\u2019s been here and she\u2019s done that. If this is her last year, we want to make it a great one.\u201d<\/p>\n
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