Chicago Sky star Angel Reese and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark have long been the names WNBA fans love to watch clash—but this past season, the rivalry barely got time to heat up. The Fever dominated the Sky in their first 2025 matchup, with Clark posting a triple-double, while Reese battled hard on the boards. Yet, the remainder of their scheduled meetings saw Clark sidelined due to injury, leaving fans craving the high-octane duels they had anticipated.
Amid this backdrop, another WNBA storyline quietly shook the league: six-time All-Star DeWanna Bonner’s turbulent season. Joining the Fever as a free agent, Bonner’s tenure in Indiana lasted just nine games before she stepped away mid-season, frustrated with her role and seeking clarity on her career trajectory. Indiana waived her in June, only for Bonner to return to her old stomping grounds—the Phoenix Mercury—where she had spent the first eleven years of her career.
On Tuesday, Bonner broke her silence in a heartfelt social media post, reflecting on a year that tested her resilience. “This year tested me, stretched me, and reminded me what it means to stand tall as a woman, an athlete, and a force in my own right,” she wrote, expressing deep gratitude to those who had supported her throughout the challenges. Fans quickly flooded her post with support, while the WNBA’s stars took notice.
Among them was Angel Reese, whose comment immediately captured attention. “You are the WOMAN we all aspire to be. From your craft to your motherhood to you just being a beautiful amazing human being. You always have a lil sis in me🤍,” Reese shared, sending the WNBA universe into a frenzy. Reese’s acknowledgment of Bonner not only showcased the respect between generations of players but also sparked speculation about the league’s shifting dynamics and alliances off the court.
Bonner’s return to the Mercury was far from quiet. She became a pivotal figure in Phoenix’s playoff run, guiding the team all the way to the WNBA Finals. Despite a sweep by A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces, Bonner’s impact was undeniable, highlighting her enduring talent and leadership. Now, with her contract concluded at the end of the 2025 season, Bonner is poised to enter free agency, officially opening the door on February 1, leaving fans and teams alike wondering where she will land next.
Meanwhile, the Reese-Clark rivalry remains unresolved. Only one face-off this season—a 93-58 blowout favoring the Fever—gave fans a taste of what could be a legendary WNBA matchup. Clark’s 20-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double overshadowed Reese’s 12 points and 17 rebounds, but the absence of Clark in the following games left many speculating how Reese might assert her dominance if the pair meet again at full strength.
The WNBA offseason promises intrigue on multiple fronts. Will Bonner join a new team and reignite her championship quest? Will Reese finally get the chance to square off with Clark again and elevate her growing legacy? And how will these personal rivalries continue to captivate the league’s fanbase, both on and off the court?
One thing is certain: Angel Reese’s reaction to Bonner’s post reminded the WNBA community that beyond the competition, respect and admiration among players can be just as compelling as the rivalries themselves. Fans are already buzzing, marking Tuesday as another chapter in a season full of twists, turns, and unforgettable moments.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on October 29, 2025, first appearing in the WNBA section.
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