During Wednesday’s game against the Atlanta Dream, Phoenix Mercury All-Star forward Alyssa Thomas achieved a significant career milestone by moving into the 14th spot on the WNBA’s all-time rebounding list. This achievement highlights Thomas’s consistent dominance in rebounding throughout her career as she continues to play at an elite level.
This season, Thomas is averaging 7.5 rebounds per game, ranking her ninth in the league in that category. Known for her versatile skill set, Thomas has become a key player for the Mercury and a major force on the boards across the league.
Thomas’s Career and Current Season Performance
Across her career, Alyssa Thomas holds an average of 7.3 rebounds per game. Her peak performance came during the 2023 season while playing for the Connecticut Sun, where she posted outstanding numbers with 15.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game. That year saw her emerge as a triple-double threat almost every night, finishing as the MVP runner-up.
In the current season, Thomas is leading the WNBA in assists with 9.5 per game, nearly one assist higher than any other player in the league. Her ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories, especially in rebounds and assists, makes her an invaluable player for Phoenix.
Impact of Thomas’s Rebounding Amid Phoenix’s Small Lineup
Thomas’s rebounding prowess is particularly important for the Mercury, who play with a relatively small starting lineup. The team does not include a towering center like former Mercury player Brittney Griner, who stood 6’9”, or Kalani Brown, who is 6’7”.
This smaller lineup strategy, often referred to as “small ball,” relies on versatile players who can guard multiple positions and excel in transition offense. Thomas’s strength on the glass helps the Mercury avoid being overpowered in the paint, supporting their fast-paced, up-tempo style of play.
Surpassing WNBA Legends and Team Comparisons
With her recent ascent on the all-time rebounds list, Thomas has surpassed Swin Cash, who now ranks 15th with 2,521 career rebounds. Cash, a four-time All-Star and a 6’1” forward like Thomas (who is 6’2”), enjoyed a 15-year career with notable success, including three championships—two with the Detroit Shock and one with the Seattle Storm. She also earned two All-Star MVP awards and was honored as a member of both the WNBA 20th and 25th Anniversary Teams.
Former Mercury center Brittney Griner has also climbed the all-time rebound rankings to 18th place, passing notable players Lauren Jackson and Yolanda Griffith. Griner averaged 17.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks during her 11 seasons with Phoenix. She reached this milestone in a game where she competed against her former team for the first time.
Other Phoenix Mercury Players Progressing on the Rebound List
DeWanna Bonner, another Phoenix forward who joined the team shortly before the All-Star break this season, ranks ninth on the all-time rebound list. If she remains healthy, Bonner is expected to surpass Candice Dupree, who currently occupies seventh place. Dupree is a former Mercury player and WNBA champion, having won the title with Phoenix in 2014.
The Growing Significance of Alyssa Thomas’s Achievement
Alyssa Thomas’s rise on the all-time rebounding list reflects her relentless determination and versatility on the court. It also underscores her essential role in maintaining the Mercury’s competitiveness despite their smaller lineup. As Thomas continues to excel, her contributions will be critical in shaping the team’s success this season and beyond.
Her ability to lead not just in rebounds but also assists marks her as one of the most complete players in the league today. Tracking her progress will be important for fans and analysts alike, as she continues to build a lasting legacy within the WNBA.