DeWanna Bonner lifts Mercury to win over Fire without Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper

The Mercury kept their nose in front of the Fire to achieve back-to-back wins, as Phoenix was without starters Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper for the first time this season.

BY AP

Jun 5, 2026, 10:55 PM Updated: Jun 6, 2026, 12:49 pm

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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — DeWanna Bonner scored a season-high 19 points, featuring three made 3-pointers, as the short-handed Phoenix Mercury beat the Portland Fire 78-72 on Friday night.

Phoenix (4-8) was without usual starters Alyssa Thomas (left calf) and Kahleah Copper (left hip) due to injuries. It was the first missed game this season for both players.

Natasha Mack added 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting (2-for-2 from the free-throw line), tying her career-high for points two nights after establishing the mark in a losing-streak-snapping win over the Seattle Storm.

Bonner sank a 3-pointer from the corner with the shot clock winding down to give Phoenix a 64-62 lead. Jovana Nogic made the Mercury’s final field goal with 2:46 remaining for a 68-67 lead and they never trailed again.

Five Phoenix players combined to make 10 of 12 free throws in the final three minutes, with Bonner going 4 for 4. The Mercury finished 19 of 22 from the line.

Noemie Brochant and Monique Akoa Makani each added 11 points for Phoenix. Nogic had a team-high six assists.

Sarah Ashlee Barker led new WNBA franchise Portland (6-6) with 15 points and seven rebounds. Karlie Samuelson made her first four 3-pointers and finished with 13 points. Teja Oblak added 11 points.

The Fire were undone by 20 turnovers.

With wins on Wednesday and Friday, Phoenix has consecutive wins for the first time this year. It had nine streaks of at least two wins last season before bowing out in the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces.