How The Mercury Bench Helps The Team Succeed

The Phoenix Mercury have had an excellent year, and their bench, led by DeWanna Bonner is helping them achieve great things.

Aug 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) and guard-forward DeWanna Bonner (14) celebrate as the Phoenix Mercury pull ahead during the second half against the New York Liberty at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images / Allan Henry-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Mercury are looking to finish the regular season on a good note, as they face the Los Angeles Sparks and the Dallas Wings in their last two games. The Mercury have played well up to this point, and before their loss to the Connecticut Sun, they were on a six-game winning streak.

Phoenix is ready for the playoffs, and their stars like Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas have helped them get to that point. On top of that, the Mercury have a strong bench.

The Mercury reserves make up one of the best benches in the WNBA scoring wise, as they are second in points per game. They average 24.9 points, and the only team ahead of them is the Golden State Valkyries. The Valkyries' bench averages 25.3 points, and with them clinching a playoff berth, their bench could play a role in their playoff success.

Sep 6, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) shoots for three points against the Connecticut Sun in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images

When it comes to the Mercury's bench, they have been in the top three in points per game all season. Their place in this category stems from performances from players like Sami Whitcomb, Lexi Held and others. Then, back in July, Phoenix added a strong scorer to the mix.

Phoenix signed DeWanna Bonner, after her stint with the Indiana Fever did not work out. Since then, she has been their best bench player, and has had big games in that time.

Jul 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) celebrates with teammates Kathryn Westbeld (24), Sami Whitcomb (33), Monique Akoa Makani (8) and DeWanna Bonner (24) against the Minnesota Lynx during the second half at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

In her second game with the team, she had a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds. The Mercury ended up winning that game 78-77. Bonner also scored in double figures in the next two games, as she had 11 points against the Minnesota Lynx and 18 points against the Atlanta Dream.

Bonner provides a spark off the bench

Bonner had a great month August, as she had eight games of 10 or more points, and six of those were consecutively. Her run started with an 18-point game against the Sun, and it ended up her 12-point game against the Valkyries.

Sep 6, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) warms up before the start of the game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images

This month, she had a big game against the Fever, as she had 19 points. She as their second-leading scorer, and Thomas led the way with 23 points.

The Mercury veteran gives their bench a big boost, and she will be one of the keys to their playoff success. Then, if some of their other reserves see significant minutes, they can contribute to the team's success as well. Phoenix's bench is talented, and they play a big role in the team's success.

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