DeWanna Bonner climbs past WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes with latest career milestone

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DeWanna Bonner added another historic accomplishment to her remarkable WNBA résumé Tuesday night, even as the Phoenix Mercury came up just short against the Minnesota Lynx. The Mercury fell 104-100 in a competitive matchup, but Bonner once again showed why she remains one of the league's most accomplished veterans. The 17-year WNBA standout finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal, with that lone takeaway moving her past Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes on the league's all-time steals leaderboard.

The WNBA quickly recognized the milestone, highlighting another achievement for a player who continues to climb the record books late in her decorated career.

Bonner moves into sixth place all-time in steals

Bonner entered the game tied with Swoopes before recording a steal in the second quarter. That defensive play gave her 658 career steals, moving her into sole possession of sixth place in WNBA history.

The league celebrated the accomplishment on social media.

"Movement on the leaderboard," the WNBA posted. "With her steal in the 2Q, DeWanna Bonner passed Sheryl Swoopes on the WNBA's all-time steals list, moving into sixth place."

While the Mercury weren't able to secure the victory, Bonner's latest milestone added another chapter to one of the most decorated careers in league history.

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More history could be on the way

Bonner has steadily climbed multiple all-time statistical lists throughout the 2026 season. Earlier this month, she became just the third player in WNBA history to score at least 8,000 career points, joining league legends Diana Taurasi and Tina Charles in the exclusive club.

She's also closing in on several additional milestones. Bonner is just six games away from passing Taurasi for the second-most games played in WNBA history, another testament to her longevity and consistency over nearly two decades.

On the glass, she needs only 20 more rebounds to move into the top five on the league's all-time rebounding list by passing Rebekkah Brunson.

Defensively, another milestone isn't far away either. Bonner entered the week with 360 career blocks, leaving her just nine away from cracking the WNBA's all-time top 20.

Although her numbers have naturally evolved at age 38, Bonner remains an important contributor for Phoenix, averaging 9.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.7 blocks per game this season. With 19 games remaining on the Mercury's regular-season schedule, Bonner appears poised to continue rewriting the WNBA record book. Every game presents another opportunity for the veteran forward to add to a legacy that has already secured her place among the greatest players in league history.