DeWanna Bonner

From the moment the WNBA’s first-round matchups were confirmed, one potentially series-defining question quickly made its way atop the list of must-answerables ahead of the highly-anticipated No. 3 vs. No. 6 matchup: how would the Connecticut Sun allocate resources towards defending Caitlin Clark? In a true veteran, title contender-like form, the Sun answered that question in Game One through a somewhat-unexpected recipe: DeWanna Bonner’s intensity and 6-foot-4 frame. Having fulfilled every role throughout her storied 15-year saga, Bonner takes to another in defending the league’s Rookie of the Year winner, mirroring her step-for-step on a right-sided drive before sending her acrobatic layup attempt into Row 1. Admittedly unexcited for the hefty assignment, Bonner nonetheless responded brilliantly, holding the Indiana Fever superstar to just two-of-nine shooting, introducing a chippiness to the series’ outlook almost immediately. The Sun’s innovative defensive wrinkle helped yield successful results as Connecticut cruised to a 24-point win in Game 1 on September 22, 2024. Opening her pursuit for title No. 3 in style, Bonner was a star on the afternoon, overwhelming Indiana for 22 points (on 7-of-11 shooting), six rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and two 3-pointers.