Fever legend Tamika Catchings congratulated DeWanna Bonner postgame after she moved into third all-time on the WNBA scoring list ❤️🔥
Fever Legend Tamika Catchings Congratulates DeWanna Bonner After She Climbs to Third on WNBA’s All-Time Scoring List
May 18, 2025
In a moment that blended history, legacy, and deep mutual respect, WNBA legend Tamika Catchings took center stage following the Connecticut Sun’s latest game—not as a player, but as a witness to greatness. DeWanna Bonner, the veteran forward who has quietly built one of the most decorated résumés in WNBA history, officially moved into third place on the league’s all-time scoring list. The achievement was made even more special by the presence of Catchings, a basketball icon herself and longtime face of the Indiana Fever, who met Bonner postgame to offer heartfelt congratulations.
Bonner, who scored 23 points in Connecticut’s 82-71 win over the Atlanta Dream, passed Catchings’ career total of 7,380 points. With that bucket, Bonner etched her name further into the annals of WNBA greatness, trailing only Diana Taurasi and Tina Thompson in total career points. What followed was an emotional postgame moment that transcended team loyalties and timelines.
A Historic Achievement
Entering the 2025 season, Bonner was already well within striking distance of the No. 3 spot. Over her 15-season career, she has been the epitome of consistency, durability, and evolution. From her early days with the Phoenix Mercury—where she was a spark off the bench—to her current veteran leadership role with the Sun, Bonner has proven to be much more than a scorer. But on Saturday night, it was her scoring that took center stage.
Early in the third quarter, Bonner hit a mid-range jumper that would ultimately be the basket to push her past Catchings on the all-time list. The crowd at Mohegan Sun Arena erupted, fully aware of the moment’s gravity. Teammates gathered around her, applauding not only the points but the years of hard work and excellence that made them possible.
“It’s surreal,” Bonner said in the postgame press conference. “When I came into this league, I never imagined I’d be in the same sentence as someone like Tamika Catchings. She’s the definition of greatness—not just for what she did on the court, but for how she’s carried herself in everything she’s done.”
A Legend Pays Tribute
Catchings, who was in attendance as part of a WNBA Legends initiative, made her way courtside after the game. The two shared a long embrace, with Catchings whispering words of encouragement and admiration. Cameras captured the exchange, and the clip quickly went viral on social media, with fans and analysts alike calling it one of the most powerful images of the young WNBA season.
In a later interview, Catchings expanded on the moment: “DeWanna has always been a competitor. I’ve watched her evolve from a young player into a leader and a champion. To see her break into the top three is incredible. She’s earned every single point through grit, intelligence, and passion for the game.”
Catchings, who retired in 2016 after a 15-year career with the Fever, is a former league MVP, ten-time All-Star, and one of the most decorated defenders in league history. She is widely considered one of the most complete players to ever step on the court. Bonner, in her own right, has carved a legacy through five All-Star appearances, two WNBA titles, and a reputation for clutch scoring and defensive tenacity.
Mutual Respect and Shared Legacy
Though their careers only overlapped briefly, Catchings and Bonner have long admired each other from afar. Bonner cited Catchings as one of her role models early in her career, even trying to mimic aspects of her game.
“Her tenacity on defense, her leadership, her poise—it’s all stuff I tried to add to my game,” Bonner said. “She set the bar. That’s what makes tonight even more special.”
Catchings, now an executive and entrepreneur, said she continues to follow the WNBA closely and takes pride in how the league continues to grow and thrive. Seeing players like Bonner succeed is a testament to the league’s strength and longevity.
“We’re all connected,” Catchings said. “Whether we played in the ’90s, 2000s, or today, we all want the league to flourish. Moments like this remind you how far we’ve come.”
Teammates and Coaches React
Following the game, Bonner’s teammates were effusive in their praise. “She’s the heart and soul of this team,” said Alyssa Thomas. “She shows up every night, and we know we’re witnessing something special every time she takes the court.”
Head coach Stephanie White called the milestone “a celebration not just of DeWanna, but of women’s basketball as a whole.”
“This is a player who’s done it the right way,” White said. “She’s grown with the game, led by example, and tonight, the entire league should tip its hat to her.”
The Road Ahead
With the season still young, Bonner has a chance to extend her scoring legacy even further. While catching No. 2 Tina Thompson (7,488 points) seems likely this season, surpassing Diana Taurasi (who is still active and currently near 10,000 points) may remain a stretch.
Still, Bonner’s focus remains on team success.
“These milestones are cool, but I want a ring,” she laughed. “I’m still hungry. I’ve got more in the tank.”
A Moment Etched in WNBA Lore
In a league that continues to break barriers and rewrite history, Saturday’s game was another reminder of the generational talent that has graced the WNBA. Tamika Catchings and DeWanna Bonner, two legends of different eras, met on the sideline not as rivals but as sisters in the game—one passing the torch, the other continuing to carry it.
As the fans filed out of Mohegan Sun Arena, they knew they’d just witnessed something special—two women, one moment, and a shared legacy that will inspire the next generation of hoopers to dream big, work hard, and leave their own mark on the game.
