DeWanna Bonner wanted to send a message. With the Phoenix Mercury cruising to a 95-60 victory over her former team Thursday night, Bonner didn’t just settle for putting up 23 points. She made sure the Indiana Fever knew exactly how she felt about her brief time there. But it was what happened behind the scenes that has fans calling foul on the officials.
What Made the First Quarter Controversy So Obvious?
During the first quarter of Thursday’s game, a sequence involving Alyssa Thomas, Bonner, and Fever guard Lexie Hull sparked widespread criticism from fans. Thomas was observed setting what appeared to be illegal screens to block Hull’s defensive efforts as Hull attempted to steal the ball from Bonner, who happens to be Thomas’ fiancée.
well pic.twitter.com/9ABZZthzBb
— correlation (@nosyone4) August 8, 2025
The play in question showed Thomas clearly executing what appeared to be a moving screen against Hull. By rule, a screen requires the player to remain stationary when setting it. However, Thomas shifted her position twice during the play, which should have resulted in a foul call. While Thomas was busy providing the illegal assistance, Bonner hit a deep three-pointer and then locked eyes with Hull for several seconds.
Social media erupted with criticism from Fever supporters who felt the officials missed multiple obvious calls. The controversy deepened when fans noticed Thomas sporting what appeared to be a knowing grin after the successful play, suggesting she was aware of what she had gotten away with.
Why Are Fans So Upset With Bonner’s Actions?
The tension stems from Bonner’s controversial departure from Indiana earlier this season. Bonner, who joined the Fever in February, left the team after playing just nine games by stating there was an incompatible relationship between herself and the organization’s structure and culture.
Given this history, fans found Bonner’s intense stare-down of Hull particularly unnecessary. The criticism intensified because Hull had no personal conflict with Bonner, making the confrontational behavior seem misplaced.
“Refs are terrible. Bonner mad like she didn’t quit on the Fever and now is stinking it up on Phoenix,” said one frustrated fan.
Refs are terrible. Bonner mad like she didn’t quit on the fever and now is stinking it up on Phoenix
— Chavis Consulting (@echavis) August 8, 2025
The fan reaction focused heavily on the missed officiating. Multiple viewers caught Thomas’s illegal screens in real-time, wondering how the referees could miss such obvious violations.
“That was a moving screen, right????” wrote one user, while another added, “Umm that’s a moving screen 1000x over.”
That was a moving screen, right????
— Blessed Momma (@HelpMewgmailacc) August 8, 2025
One sharp-eyed fan pointed out Thomas’s facial expression during the sequence, suggesting it showed her awareness of the situation. “Yeah 2 illegal screens. AT smiling the whole time because she knows the refs don’t gaf,” said the fan.
Yeah 2 illegal screens
AT smiling the whole time because she knows the refs don’t gaf
— David Webb (@vrob1974) August 8, 2025
Not all fans focused their criticism on the officials and Thomas. One viewer took a different approach, questioning Hull’s defensive positioning instead. “Terrible defense Lex why is she jumping all the way back there ??,” wrote the user.
Terrible defense lex why is she jumping all the way back there ?? lol
— Lew Sid (@LewSidRaps) August 8, 2025
The Mercury’s 19-11 record shows they’ve found their rhythm this season, with veteran leadership proving crucial in big moments. However, incidents like Thursday’s highlight the complex dynamics that emerge when former teammates face off, especially in situations involving contentious departures like Bonner’s exit from Indiana.
