Alyssa Thomas, a twelve-year veteran of the WNBA, has established herself as one of the league’s most impressive and versatile players, yet she remains largely underappreciated. In early 2025, Thomas made history by becoming the first player in WNBA history to record at least 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists in a single game, highlighting her rare all-around dominance. Despite these feats, she does not receive the widespread recognition she truly deserves among fans and analysts alike.
Consistent Excellence Beyond the Highlight Reels
Thomas is widely known in the league for her ability to accumulate triple-doubles, holding the record for the most in WNBA history with 16 and being the only player with multiple triple-doubles in playoff games. Even as she secured her sixth All-Star selection this season, she was named a reserve rather than a starter—a position many believe she merits. In 2023, she finished behind Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson in MVP discussions, viewed as the third-best candidate despite her comparable impact.
One reason for this underestimation could be that Thomas’s style isn’t as flashy as some of her peers. Unlike players known for high-scoring nights or spectacular long-range shots, Thomas’s game is fundamentally sound, balanced, and comprehensive. Although she averages 15.3 points per game this season, her league-leading 9.5 assists and 7.5 rebounds make her consistently valuable in all facets of the game, coming close to a triple-double every outing.
Playing Through Physical Challenges with Determination
Thomas’s resilience is even more remarkable considering the physical obstacles she overcomes. She has torn labrums in both shoulders but has chosen not to undergo surgery, which affects her shooting motion noticeably. Her free-throw technique, relying heavily on her wrist and elbow instead of traditional shoulder movement, reflects her ability to adapt and continue excelling despite injury.
From Connecticut to Phoenix: A New Chapter of Recognition
After spending her entire career in Connecticut without a championship or the full respect of her original organization, Thomas moved to the Phoenix Mercury in 2025. Her presence has propelled the Mercury to the upper tiers of the league standings, currently holding a 14-6 record and second place overall. Even with key teammates Kahleah Copper and Satou Sabally battling injuries, Thomas’s steady leadership continues to be the foundation of Phoenix’s success.
The Mercury have positioned Thomas to thrive by surrounding her with strong support including elite coaching, top-notch facilities, and experienced teammates. The club recently added her fiancée, DeWanna Bonner, to the roster, further enriching the team’s dynamics and underscoring the franchise’s commitment to Thomas.
The Broader Impact of Valuing Alyssa Thomas’s Talent
Phoenix’s appreciation of Thomas demonstrates a crucial lesson for the entire WNBA community: acknowledging and investing in an Alyssa Thomas-level player enables her to perform at peak levels without pressure or constraints. This approach may finally give her the championship opportunity she has long sought and sets an example for other teams on how to maximize the impact of underrated stars.
As the 2025 season unfolds, more fans and commentators are urged to recognize Alyssa Thomas as one of the most complete and influential players in the WNBA. Her unheralded excellence pushes her team forward, proving that true value extends far beyond the highlights and headlines.
“Yeah, those are the torn labrums that she’s ignored to become one of the best players in WNBA history without.” —Fact fans
“When you have an Alyssa Thomas-caliber talent on your team, you show them you value them, so they can play their brand of hoops with no stress or limitations.” —Coaches
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Alyssa Thomas have surgery?
A. While it’s easy to label her as a medical wonder, since Thomas refused surgery, she’s primarily just a marvel. Normally, tales about her highlight her strength right from the start.
Q. Why doesn’t Alyssa Thomas get surgery?
A. She doesn’t want to get them fixed because she believes, “The surgery and recovery are tougher than recovering from an Achilles injury.” She understands this difficulty well, since she tore her left leg tendon in January 2022, needing eight months of tough rehabilitation.
Q. Why does Alyssa Thomas shoot with one hand?
A. Thomas is naturally left-handed but learned to use both hands equally as she grew up. She has injuries in both shoulders called torn labrums. Sports Illustrated’s Michael Rosenberg compared her one-handed shooting technique to a waiter tossing a tray into the air and walking away.