Sophie Cunningham Was SO SICK Of DeWanna Bonner And Did THIS…

WNBA rivalries don’t often get the mainstream media spotlight, but for those who closely follow women’s basketball, the league is packed with fiery personalities and intense on-court battles. One feud that has steadily built up over recent seasons is the simmering rivalry between Sophie Cunningham of the Phoenix Mercury and DeWanna Bonner of the Connecticut Sun. These two forwards, both known for their intensity and never-back-down attitude, have shared the court as teammates and have since become fierce competitors. Recently, their rivalry came to a head in a way that’s got the whole WNBA community talking: Sophie Cunningham, clearly fed up with Bonner’s antics and dominance, finally decided to send a message—on and off the hardwood.

The Backstory: From Teammates to Rivals

To really understand what makes this clash compelling, you need a quick history lesson. Sophie Cunningham entered the WNBA in 2019, drafted out of Missouri by the Phoenix Mercury. At the time, DeWanna Bonner was not just a veteran leader of the Mercury, but also an established All-Star with multiple championships. During Cunningham’s rookie campaign, she had Bonner as a mentor and motivator, helping to shape the fiery edge that is now her signature style.

But all good things come to an end. In 2020, Bonner was traded to the Connecticut Sun—ushering in a new phase to their relationship. Suddenly, these former teammates were matched up against each other, turning their mutual respect into game-time competition.

Bonner’s Dominance and Cunningham’s Frustration

DeWanna Bonner, standing at 6-foot-4, is a versatile forward who can dominate both the wing and the paint. Her stat lines are often filled: points, rebounds, assists, and an uncanny ability to get under the skin of her opponents. Whenever Bonner faces her former team, she seems to take it up a notch, pouring her signature intensity into every possession.

For Sophie Cunningham, Bonner remains a measuring stick—and a source of frustration. Despite her determined play and willingness to mix it up physically, Cunningham has had difficulty containing Bonner, who often seems to get the last word not just on the scoreboard, but in postgame headlines as well. Whether it’s Bonner draining clutch threes, finishing tough layups in transition, or talking just enough trash to rattle opponents, she has long been a thorn in Cunningham’s side.

The Inciting Incident: “She Was SO SICK Of Bonner And Did THIS”

Tensions between them finally came to a dramatic breaking point during a recent Mercury vs. Sun matchup. From the tip-off, it was clear: Sophie Cunningham was playing with a chip on her shoulder, and Bonner was her target. The two tangled repeatedly—battling for rebounds, scrapping for loose balls, and jawing back and forth after nearly every whistle.

Midway through the third quarter, after yet another heated possession in which Bonner hit a tough shot and let Cunningham know it, the Mercury forward reached her boiling point. The cameras caught Cunningham glaring at Bonner, her frustration evident. The Sun’s bench erupted in cheers as Bonner celebrated, but Sophie had other plans.

On the very next play, Cunningham took control of the ball and drove hard at Bonner, absorbing contact and finishing the layup. She didn’t stop there—in a bold move, she stared Bonner down, delivered a confident clap, and was heard shouting a challenge as she jogged back on defense. The crowd responded with a mixture of gasps and cheers, and even the league’s commentators took notice: Cunningham was done being bullied. The momentum shift was palpable.

A Statement of Confidence and Competitiveness

Sophie Cunningham’s statement—both in her physical play and her emotional response—signaled to the WNBA community that she is no longer content to be overshadowed by former mentors or experienced stars like Bonner. After the game, Cunningham explained that she’s always relished the chance to go up against the best and that facing Bonner brings out a different edge in her.

“I respect DeWanna so much, but at a certain point, you get tired of being the little sister. I wanted to set the tone for my team and show we’re not backing down from anybody,” she said in the post-game press conference.

Bonner, too, was asked about the incident. True to her veteran reputation, Bonner laughed and dismissed the moment as competition at its finest. “It’s basketball, man. Sophie’s tough. She’ll try to get in your face, and you have to give it right back. That’s how it is when you want to win.”

Why This Rivalry Matters in the WNBA

Rivalries like this are the lifeblood of any professional league. For the WNBA—a league growing in popularity, viewership, and cultural relevance—feuds like Cunningham vs. Bonner add spice to the regular season and underline the talent and passion of its athletes. Fans gravitate towards genuine, competitive storylines, and the Mercury–Sun grudge matches have provided plenty of drama.

Cunningham’s willingness to go toe-to-toe with a more experienced, sometimes intimidating opponent is a statement, not just for Phoenix fans, but for every younger player in the league trying to make their mark. It’s a reminder that respect is earned, not given—and that even role models can become rivals when the stakes are high.

The Aftermath and What’s Next

Following the incident, social media buzzed with clips and analysis of the confrontation. Many fans applauded Cunningham for taking a stand and showing no fear, while others praised Bonner’s ability to keep her cool and continue playing at an elite level.

Both teams will almost certainly face off again, likely with playoff implications. For Cunningham and the Mercury, the battle with Connecticut is now about more than wins and losses—it’s about pride, growth, and the determination to disrupt the established pecking order.

As the WNBA continues to ascend in mainstream sports dialogue, moments like this—where two players refuse to back down, pushing each other to new heights—are exactly what propel the league forward, infusing it with passion, drama, and enduring rivalries. And for Sophie Cunningham, the message to DeWanna Bonner and the rest of the league was clear: she’s done being intimidated, and she’s ready to bring the fight, night in and night out.