Alyssa Thomas stands out as one of the Women’s National Basketball Association’s most exceptional players, gaining recognition as a strong MVP contender during the current season. Known for challenging league standards by breaking and setting new records, Thomas combines physicality with a trademark smirk that sets her apart on the court. Kahleah Copper, a fellow star with the Phoenix Mercury, highlighted Thomas’s unique approach, noting that
she doesn’t care about what everyone else does,
according to Desert Wave Media.
Defying Conventional Playing Styles in Today’s Game
The WNBA has shifted in recent years from traditional big-player focused offenses to a style that resembles the NBA’s emphasis on spacing and outside shooting. In contrast, Alyssa Thomas remains a rare presence in the league as a 6-foot-2 forward who resists moving beyond the three-point line. Instead, Thomas predominantly operates inside 15 feet of the basket, defying the expectation that players her size should extend their range. Her decision to avoid long-range shots has done little to diminish her offensive impact or that of her team.
For the current season, Thomas is shooting nearly 54% from the field, even as opposing defenses focus heavily on packing the paint to block her aggressive drives to the rim. Copper praised Thomas’s distinctive style, stating,
Her not shooting the three just doesn’t matter. To have the success that she’s having, making history not shooting threes…if it ain’t broke…It’s just so much respect out to her because they feel that pressure like ‘okay they’re doing this’….but she never wavers in what she does. That’s just confidence, that’s just [being] comfortable in who you are.
The Engine Behind the Phoenix Mercury’s Success
Alyssa Thomas has carved out a unique basketball identity as a power forward with the guard-like skills of a point guard. She excels in ball handling and playmaking, ranking as the only forward among the top 10 assist leaders in WNBA history. Currently, Thomas leads the league in assists while showcasing remarkable defensive versatility by effectively guarding all five positions on the floor.
Kahleah Copper expressed admiration for Thomas’s passing ability and unselfishness, saying,
I don’t think there’s a better passer than her at her position. I just love playing with her. I know she’ll find me. And just very unselfish.
Potential for MVP Glory and Season Outlook
Known affectionately as “The Engine,” Alyssa Thomas’s leadership and skill have placed her in a strong position as the season nears its conclusion. If she can help the Phoenix Mercury climb a spot or two in the standings through the remaining games, her MVP candidacy could shift from underdog status to frontrunner. Winning the coveted MVP award would mark the first time Thomas receives this honor, recognizing her as one of the league’s premier players and demonstrating that elite performance is more than just scoring points.
The significance of Thomas’s rise lies in the broader message it sends within the league—that excellence in basketball transcends traditional metrics and celebrates diverse skill sets.