Consider no hard feelings between new teammates DeWanna Bonner and Caitlin Clark.
Bonner signed a one-year deal with the Indiana Fever this offseason and was formally introduced by the team on Monday. And of course, the six-time WNBA All-Star was asked about the little incident she had with the Fever star during the 2024 WNBA playoffs.
During Game 2 of the first-round series between the Fever and the Connecticut Sun, Clark complained to a referee after she felt like she was fouled by Bonner. The 15-year veteran didn’t appreciate it, and Bonner had some words for Clark before the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year shoved Bonner with one hand. Bonner responded by swiping at Clark’s arm.
Bonner and Clark continued to chirp at one another following a timeout, and officials eventually separated them to prevent any escalation.
When asked about the incident on Monday and whether it had any impact on her decision to sign with Indiana, Bonner couldn’t help but laugh.
‘I’m glad you asked that question, because my inbox has been going crazy about that moment,’ Bonner said.. ‘I think it’s just two competitive players that want to win and push their team to get over the finish line. It was the playoffs, so emotions are high, tensions are high.’
It’s been quite the offseason for Indiana, which also added forwards Sophie Cunningham and Natasha Howard to a team attempting to take the next step in the WNBA hierarchy. Bonner, who is a two-time WNBA champion with the Phoenix Mercury and twice named to an All-WNBA team, said she ‘couldn’t be more excited’ to play alongside Clark.
The two already got a workout in together.
‘I think we just feed well off each other. I’m just here to hopefully give my leadership advice,’ Bonner said. ‘I don’t think I need to push her to be any type of player that she isn’t already is, and I’m just happy to be here and I hope I can give her some knowledge to bring her game to a different level.’
Clark also praised the moves the teams made, noting Bonner adds much-needed championship experience.
‘I think it’s exactly what we needed in our locker room. But also they’re not just really good basketball players, they’re great leaders and great people and I know the front office prioritized that,’ she said.