PHOENIX, July 8 (Reuters) — DeWanna Bonner shattered a career milestone, then wept in the locker room. The Mercury star scored 38 points against the Chicago Sky on Thursday, setting a new franchise record for single-game scoring by a player over 35. The final score: Sky 101, Mercury 99.
The atmosphere was bittersweet. Bonner, 37, entered the game needing 12 points to break Diana Taurasi’s record. She finished with 38, plus 10 rebounds and 5 assists. But 7 turnovers—including 3 in the final 90 seconds—doomed Phoenix.
A milestone, then a collapse. The Mercury led by 8 with 2 minutes left. Bonner missed a layup, then lost the ball on consecutive possessions. Sky guard Kahleah Copper hit a three-pointer with 9 seconds left to seal the win.
“I’m proud of what I did, but it means nothing,” Bonner told reporters post-game. “We needed that win.”
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What record did DeWanna Bonner break?
- A: She broke Diana Taurasi’s franchise record for single-game scoring by a player over 35, finishing with 38 points.
- Q: Why was Bonner emotional after the game?
- A: Despite the milestone, the Mercury lost 101-99 due to her late turnovers, leading her to weep in the locker room and call the record meaningless.
- Q: What happened in the final moments of the game?
- A: Phoenix led by 8 with 2 minutes left, but Bonner missed a layup and had consecutive turnovers, allowing Kahleah Copper to hit a game-winning three-pointer for the Sky.