Bold claim: Alyssa Thomas transformed the Phoenix Mercury last season, turning heads and redefining what the team is capable of achieving. And this is where the story gets even more interesting... Thomas joined the Mercury a year ago and quickly emerged as one of the franchise’s standout stars. Her breakout campaign was nothing short of spectacular, placing her in strong MVP conversations and etched in the record books with eight triple-doubles in her first season with Phoenix.
The 2023 season already marked a milestone for Thomas, as she set a league-wide record in that period and tallied six triple-doubles. She then surpassed that level of the incredible, contributing to the Mercury’s deep playoff push that culminated in a run to the WNBA Finals.
In her first year with Phoenix, Thomas posted eye-popping averages of 15.4 points, 9.2 assists, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, underscoring her versatility and all-around impact.
Thomas’s journey began with the Connecticut Sun after being drafted by the New York Liberty and then traded before ever playing for the Liberty. She debuted with the Sun and spent several seasons there, honing her game before making the move west.
In her final season with Connecticut, she averaged 10.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 1.6 steals, earning MVP consideration and finishing fifth in the race. A’ja Wilson ultimately took home the award with a unanimous vote, while Thomas’s season remained highly productive as she collected her sixth All-Star nod and helped the Sun post a 28-12 record.
The Sun’s success continued into their 2024 matchup against Phoenix, where Connecticut swept the Mercury in the season series. Thomas contributed in those victories: in the opener she posted 10 points, eight assists, and six rebounds in a 70-47 win, seizing early momentum. In the following game, she added 12 rebounds along with 10 points, six assists, and two blocks as Connecticut pulled away to an 83-72 win, despite Kahleah Copper’s 21-point effort for Phoenix.
Although Thomas had a quieter presence in the third meeting, Connecticut still prevailed with six points, five rebounds, and three assists, as Copper again led the Mercury with 17 points.
The Sun clinched the sweep with an 88-69 victory in the fourth game, aided by Thomas’s 11 assists. Over these battles, Thomas established herself as one of the league’s elite players, showcasing her impact on both coasts.
Today, she’s widely recognized as a top Eastern Conference talent who is delivering big-time performances in the Western Conference. For ongoing updates about Alyssa Thomas and her career trajectory, follow our coverage on X (formerly Twitter) at MercuryOnSI.
