The Atlanta Dream dominated the Washington Mystics in a two-game sweep to kick off the WNBA playoffs, securing the series with a decisive 93-75 victory on Wednesday. While DeWanna Bonner contributed 7 points off the bench, her most notable impact came off the floor, where a composed gesture she made quickly gained attention online.
Following the series-clinching win, Dream players Angel Reese and Allisha Gray began waving goodbye to the opposing team amidst the celebrations. Bonner promptly intervened, lowering their hands to maintain respect, a moment that soon went viral and sparked a wave of reactions from the basketball community.
Bonner, who entered the WNBA in 2009 as the No. 5 overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury, brings 17 seasons of experience, having also played for the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever. Her veteran savvy was evident in this situation, leading fans to praise her leadership with comments like “DB really the mom lmao,” and “Thank God we got a vet in DeWanna.”
Reese, who had a strong Game 2 performance with 15 points and 7 rebounds, seemed caught off guard when Gray started waving to the opposing fans, joining in hesitantly before Bonner’s firm reminder. Fans noticed Reese’s slightly guilty smile, highlighting the importance of veteran guidance on the team.
Some observers also linked this moment to Bonner’s leadership role last season with Mercury star Satou Sabally, emphasizing her longstanding reputation as a steady and responsible presence. One fan noted, “Ms. DeWanna said, ‘No, ma’am,’ reminds me of her with Satou last season.”
Now turning their focus to a tougher opponent, the Dream will face the New York Liberty in the semifinals, starting Sunday at State Farm Arena in a best-of-five series. New York comes off a historic upset against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, raising the stakes for Bonner, Reese, Gray, and the rest of Atlanta’s squad. The Dream will enjoy home-court advantage, hosting Games 1, 2, and potentially 5.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
Fan Take: DeWanna Bonner’s calming leadership not only preserves team respect but also sets an example for younger players, underscoring the value of veteran presence in high-pressure moments. As the Dream advance against a fierce New York Liberty, this blend of experience and talent could become a defining factor in the excitement and growth of the WNBA.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
