Alyssa Thomas has made a significant impact on the Phoenix Mercury since joining the team in the offseason, showcasing her talent and leadership on the court. Her strong performances have included multiple triple-doubles and career-high scoring games, highlighting her importance to the Mercury’s lineup and fueling discussions about MVP consideration.
This season, Thomas recorded a career-high 32 points during a road game against the Indiana Fever, although the Mercury fell 107-101. Earlier, she scored 29 points against the Minnesota Lynx, further demonstrating her scoring ability. Her triple-double feats include a standout game versus the Dallas Wings where she posted 15 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds, followed by another triple-double against the Chicago Sky with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Strong Foundations Built During Rookie Year with Connecticut Sun
Before her success with Phoenix, Thomas established herself as a key player for the Connecticut Sun, a team she joined after a draft-day trade from the New York Liberty. In exchange for Kelsey Bone, Thomas began her professional career with the Sun, bringing with her an impressive collegiate record as a Maryland Terrapins star. She had earned three ACC Player of the Year awards and the ACC Tournament Most Valuable Player honor during her college years.
Thomas’s rookie season laid the groundwork for her future success, as she averaged 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and one steal per game. Her best performance came against the Tulsa Shock, where despite her team suffering a 96-83 loss, she led with 24 points, added four steals, three rebounds, and an assist. This game marked her as the Sun’s leading scorer and a rising talent in the league.
That season, the Sun finished with a 13-21 record, but Thomas stood out enough to earn a spot on the All-Rookie Team. She joined teammates Chiney Ogwumike, Kayla McBride, Bria Hartley, and Odyssey Sims on this honor. Ogwumike earned Rookie of the Year that season, continuing a family legacy after her sister Nneka Ogwumike’s similar achievement two years prior.
Progression from Connecticut to Phoenix and Renewed MVP Prospects
Thomas’s rookie year was just the beginning of a steadily ascending career. After several productive seasons with the Connecticut Sun, she narrowly missed out on the MVP award in 2023, reflecting her growing stature within the league. Now with the Phoenix Mercury, she continues to assert her presence and is once again a serious contender for MVP honors.
Her transition from the Sun to the Mercury has allowed her to expand her game further, contributing not only through scoring but also through rebounds and assists, making her a versatile and indispensable player. Alyssa Thomas’s journey illustrates how a strong rookie foundation can evolve into elite professional success, inspiring fans and teammates alike.
As the Phoenix Mercury seek to strengthen their playoff chances, Thomas’s leadership and all-around skill set will be key. Continued excellence from her could push the team deeper into postseason contention and keep her name in MVP conversations as the season progresses.
“She has been incredible for the Phoenix Mercury. They acquired her during the offseason, and since then, she has made her presence felt.”
—Davion Moore, Phoenix Mercury WNBA Reporter
“Thomas had had great games with the Mercury, including her triple-doubles and career high games.”
—Davion Moore, Phoenix Mercury WNBA Reporter
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—Davion Moore, Phoenix Mercury WNBA Reporter