Fans reacted to a heated exchange between Indiana Fever’s point guard Caitlin Clark and Phoenix Mercury shooting guard DeWanna Bonner during Tuesday’s game. The former teammates squared up to each other as the Indiana Fever suffered another crucial defeat, losing 85-79 at PHX Arena.
Also Read: Fever Fans Blast WNBA Refs After Nail-Biting 1-Point Loss to Wings
Fans React to Heated Caitlin Clark-DeWanna Bonner Exchange
No Love Lost Between Clark and Bonner
Bonner started the 2025 season with Indiana, but after she voluntarily sat out games and requested a trade, the team ultimately waived her a short time into the regular season. The 38-year-old eventually left the Fever after just nine games and signed with Phoenix, where she had previously spent 10 seasons.
The two-time WNBA champion has now faced her old team three times. The first meeting came on July 30, when Phoenix visited Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Fans booed loudly when she entered the game and kept booing each time she handled the ball. Meanwhile, Clark has been limited to just 13 games this season due to injuries, missing 19 in a row. The 23-year-old remains sidelined with a right groin injury, but still found herself in the middle of a sideline clash with Bonner.
Late in the game, referees called a foul on Lexie Hull, and emotions were already running high. The Fever disagreed with the foul and challenged the call unsuccessfully. Bonner walked past the Fever bench on her way back to her team. Clark, sitting at the end of the bench, appeared to say something as Bonner approached. Bonner looked back, with a referee in front of her, and exchanged some words with Clark before she waved her away with a sharp flick of her hand—a “shooing” motion that told her former teammate to keep moving.
2× WNBA Champion DeWanna Bonner and 2× NCAA Runner-up Caitlin Clark exchange a few words. 👀🌶️✨ pic.twitter.com/EfkV3CQFgd
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) September 3, 2025
Clark and Bonner also had a heated moment last season when the latter was still with the Connecticut Sun. But there’s no love lost between the former teammates.
Fans Rip Into Clark After Heated Exchange
Fans quickly reacted to the incident after someone shared it online, and most of their criticism targeted Clark. Some fans accused her of always causing drama instead of focusing on getting back from injury.
However, one fan wondered how Clark and Bonner’s feud began, given that there appeared to be a smooth relationship between the pair initially. “Man I remember that one pre season interview they both did together about knowing each other. How did we get here?”
The ongoing tension between Clark and Bonner highlights the intensity of WNBA rivalries and the passion fans bring to every matchup. Their feud continues to draw attention both on and off the court, leaving fans eager for the next encounter.
Featured image: Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
