At the age of 39, DeWanna Bonner is still dismantling opposing defences like she was in her prime. The Atlanta Dream made one of the WNBA season's shrewdest moves by acquiring the services of the future Hall of Famer after she shockingly left the Phoenix Mercury mid-season, in a move many perceived as ring-chasing. A 13-point performance in Game 1 of the WNBA playoffs proves Bonner's bench impact can be Atlanta's not-so-secret weapon as they hope to clinch a championship.
Atlanta's starting lineup is as talented as any in the WNBA. Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Angel Reese are all having seasons to remember. However, what now makes them so dangerous is the legendary weapon they can unleash from their secondary unit: DeWanna Bonner.
One area the Dream struggled with during the regular season was the scoring impact of their bench players. While Madina Okot and Brionna Jones contributed defensively in the paint, their offensive production didn't match that of Atlanta's core group. In fact, the Dream ranked 14th in the WNBA in bench scoring, averaging just 17.9 points per game.
Championship teams need depth, and that is exactly what DeWanna Bonner now brings. Not only does she bring leadership, experience, and culture to Atlanta, but her offensive prowess is deadly enough to move the needle for this franchise. Some questioned her intentions as she left Phoenix in their darkest hour, yet it is clear she still possesses the attributes to improve a roster already making a major push for a title.
Bonner is already making her presence felt in Atlanta
Whether it is branded as ring-chasing or not, Bonner has only enhanced the momentum this gifted Dream roster created during the regular season. In theory, the Washington Mystics' energetic squad has enough talent to pose serious questions for the Dream. Nevertheless, Bonner's postseason know-how is already giving her team an edge that only comes with experience.
Game 1 of the WNBA playoffs went exactly to plan for the Dream as they claimed a dominant 92-77 victory over the Mystics. While Howard and Gray combined for 48 points on the night, it was their veteran teammates' bench scoring that ensured Washington stole the initiative in the series.
It felt like the perfect playoff cameo from a two-time WNBA champion. In around 22 minutes of action, Bonner registered 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block, while shooting 50% from the floor.
Numbers matter in a game of such importance, but it is clear that Bonner's arrival in Atlanta is bigger than just offensive contribution. Her defensive prowess, vocal leadership, and offensive positioning have brought a whole new dynamic to a Dream roster already considered a championship contender.
There is still a long way to go in the playoffs, and more specifically, in the Washington Mystics series. However, DeWanna Bonner is already proving how she can turn the Atlanta Dream's championship dream into a reality. The legendary forward might not be the star of the show, but she is critical to any success the franchise hopes to have.
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