A bizarre scene unfolded Tuesday night during the Phoenix Mercury’s heated matchup against the Minnesota Lynx when veteran forward DeWanna Bonner was unexpectedly struck by a flying sex toy late in the fourth quarter, leaving fans, players, and officials stunned inside Footprint Center.
The incident occurred with just under four minutes remaining in a tightly contested game. As Bonner prepared to inbound the ball near the sideline, an object suddenly flew from the stands and landed directly against her shoulder before bouncing onto the court. Players immediately stepped back in confusion before referees stopped play.
Security personnel quickly rushed to the section where the item allegedly originated, while arena staff removed the object from the floor. Fans nearby could be heard gasping and laughing as confusion spread across the arena and social media exploded within minutes.
Bonner appeared shocked but remained calm throughout the ordeal. After briefly speaking with officials and teammates, she shook her head, laughed off the bizarre moment, and continued playing to a loud ovation from the crowd.
“It’s definitely something I’ve never experienced before,” Bonner reportedly joked after the game. “Only in the WNBA, I guess.”
Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts condemned the incident during his postgame press conference, calling it “disrespectful and unacceptable behavior from a fan.”
The delay lasted nearly seven minutes as arena security reviewed footage and escorted one individual from the building. Officials have not yet confirmed whether charges will be filed.
Despite the distraction, the Mercury rallied late behind Bonner’s leadership, though the Lynx ultimately escaped with a narrow 81-78 victory after a clutch three-pointer in the closing seconds.
The strange moment instantly became one of the most talked-about incidents of the WNBA season, with clips and reactions spreading rapidly online long after
the final buzzer.