The Phoenix Mercury began their week with a commanding 82-66 victory over the Connecticut Sun, setting a positive tone for the days ahead. This matchup carried a unique storyline as both Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, former Connecticut Sun players, faced their old team in new uniforms.
Thomas, who played for Connecticut from 2014 to 2024, was acquired by the Mercury in a significant draft-day trade. DeWanna Bonner, another Connecticut alum from 2020 to 2024, also moved on; after contributing successful seasons in Phoenix, she was traded for draft picks. This led to both players challenging their former team in new roles.
Alyssa Thomas’s Triple-Double Streak and Bonner’s Impact
The former Connecticut stars delivered impressive performances against their previous team. Alyssa Thomas recorded a triple-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, marking her second consecutive triple-double. Meanwhile, Bonner brought energy off the bench, scoring 18 points.
Their contributions continued as Phoenix struggled with the Indiana Fever, a team Bonner briefly joined before returning to Connecticut. In a decisive 95-60 win over Indiana, Bonner scored 23 points off the bench. Thomas notched her third straight triple-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, making her the first player in <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA history to achieve this feat.
Setback Against Atlanta and Upcoming Challenges
The Mercury’s momentum hit a roadblock when they faced the Atlanta Dream. Despite a balanced team effort, the Mercury fell 74-66, ending their previous winning streak. This loss left Phoenix with a 2-1 record over their last three games, highlighting the ups and downs of their week.
Looking forward, the Mercury prepare for a home game against the Las Vegas Aces on Friday. The Aces recently earned a win over the Connecticut Sun, extending their own winning streak to four games, and are demonstrating strong form that could test Phoenix’s resilience.
Team Outlook and Impact on the MVP Race
The Phoenix Mercury have shown significant promise, supported by standout performances from Alyssa Thomas, whose historic triple-double streak is stirring excitement around the league’s MVP conversation. With key players like Thomas and Satou Sabally, the Mercury appear poised to be serious contenders as the season unfolds, maintaining hope and intensity amidst both victories and setbacks.
“This was a great week for the Phoenix Mercury.” —David Moore, Phoenix Mercury Reporter