The Indiana Fever couldn’t afford a loss at the time, as a playoff berth is what they want. However, there’s no stopping the Phoenix Mercury lately. In their recent matchup, the Mercury handed them a sliding 85-79 defeat on Tuesday.
Though even before the game, DeWanna Bonner shared her candid thoughts on the Mercury’s shortcomings, she had no mercy for her former team. As she found her ex-teammate Caitlin Clark on the opposite side, a clash was almost promised.
Caitlin Clark Had A Fiery Reaction To DeWanna Bonner’s Foul Draw
During the game, the PHX Arena had plenty of intensity, but a sideline moment between Caitlin and DeWanna Bonner stole the show. Clark, sidelined by a groin injury and watching in street clothes, got into a heated exchange with Bonner during the fourth quarter.
A new video from a courtside fan, which surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) and quickly went viral. However, the clip had clearer audio of what she said. After the surfacing of a unique angle of the viral moment, it turned what looked like a personal jab into a straightforward disagreement over a foul call.
hoping for a first round merc vs fever matchup #purecinema pic.twitter.com/FHLKtOldfP
— Herb Jackson Jr (@herbjacksonjr) September 3, 2025
The incident happened with 8:13 left in the game, as the Fever trailed by eight. Bonner drew a shooting foul on Indiana’s Lexie Hull during a drive to the basket. As Bonner headed to the free-throw line, Clark waved her hand dismissively from the bench and shouted.
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“That’s not a foul!” the mics picked up Clark saying multiple times.
The video, with clear audio, shows Clark directing her frustration at Bonner and possibly the officials nearby. Additionally, Fever coach Stephanie White challenged the call, but it got a dismissal after review. Bonner sank both free throws, part of her 19-point night, while Alyssa Thomas led Phoenix with 23 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists.
Caitlin Clark-DeWanna Bonner’s Feud Started Following A Trade Request
Bonner, a two-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star, started the 2025 season with the Fever after signing as a free agent. She played nine games, averaging 8.2 points and 5.1 rebounds.
Although she requested her release in June, citing a poor fit with the team’s system. The Fever granted it, and Bonner signed with the Mercury, where she’s thrived, putting up 11.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in a bench role. However, Bonner shared candid thoughts on Mercury’s homecoming.
Her departure left some tension as the Fever fans booed her during Phoenix’s July 30 visit to Indianapolis. Though Indiana won the game 88-82. Though Tuesday’s matchup, the third of the season (series tied 1-1), carried extra weight with playoff seeding on the line.