DeWanna Bonner eases nerves over Caitlin Clark injury by making history

The Indiana Fever faced their first test without guard Caitlin Clark in the lineup on Wednesday night facing the Washington Mystics in Baltimore, Maryland. New members of the squad stepped up in big ways despite falling short on the road 83-77.

Veteran All-Star DeWanna Bonner was one of them. Late in the second quarter, Bonner hit a long pull-up jump shot off the hands of Sophie Cunningham that would place her in WNBA history. It was her 7,500th career point, making her the first player in league history to record 7,500 points, 3,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists. Bonner is also an all-time leader in postseason appearances (87), making her one of the most experienced to ever play women's basketball.

Although she hasn't had an immediate impact with her new team in terms of points per game, she is the type of player head coach Stephanie White wants on her squad. After all, she did bring her over from the Connecticut Sun. She has several qualities that can't be taught - leadership, effort and energy.

The league did applaud Bonner on her accomplishment by posting on X,

DeWanna Bonner finds her rhythm in first game without Caitlin Clark

Looking past her early-season struggles, Bonner finished Wednesday's game with a team-leading 21 points off the bench. Despite the loss, fans had glimpses of what is yet to come for the Fever and it started with Bonner's big night.

It's always gut-wrenching to watch a player go out with an injury, but Bonner will be leaned on even more in these next few games with Clark being on the sidelines. Fans shouldn't worry about her stepping up and playing the leader role going forward.

Bonner played off the bench the last two games after starting the first three. Things will begin to click all around for her once she finds her place and proper fit on the squad. Being a veteran and well-rounded player does not mean that stepping onto a brand new team with unfamiliar teammates will be an easy task.

Coach White has acknowledged the obstacles Bonner has faced being on a young and fast-paced team and will strive to get her more involved to build back her confidence consistently.

She scored seven points in three minutes early to start the game and went 2 for 3 from 3-point shooting, an area the Fever as a group struggled heavily in. Bonner hopes to keep the rhythm consistent, allowing her to have several more multi-point performances.

It's a championship or bust season for the Fever and all the pieces need to come together sooner rather than later.