In a commanding victory against the Seattle Storm on Sunday, Alyssa Thomas recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, pushing her further ahead on the WNBA all-time triple-doubles chart. This performance increased her career assists total to 1,717, elevating her position on the WNBA assists leaderboard once again.
Thomas now holds seventh place in league history, surpassing notable players Becky Hammon and Skylar Diggins. She trails just behind Chelsea Gray of the Las Vegas Aces in sixth place. With several players ranked between sixth and tenth—all currently active—the standings are expected to shift over the coming seasons, although a significant gap separates these players from Lindsay Whelan, who occupies fifth place.
How Thomas’ Exceptional Playmaking Sets Her Apart
As the only forward among the top 10 assist leaders, Thomas‘s rise is particularly remarkable. She achieved this milestone shortly after competing against the Las Vegas Aces, coached by Becky Hammon, the player she recently passed on the list. Hammon is celebrated as a six-time All-Star and a two-time All-WNBA selection, having led the league in assists during her 2007 season. Known for her fierce competitiveness and intelligence on the court, Hammon transitioned successfully into coaching, first serving as an assistant for the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA’s San Antonio Spurs alongside Gregg Popovich, before becoming head coach of the Aces and leading them to two WNBA championships.
Thomas’s game defies typical positional roles. While classified as a power forward, she often assumes point guard responsibilities, bringing the ball up the court in offense and excelling in pick-and-roll situations. Her tenacious drives to the basket create scoring openings for teammates, and this season, she not only leads the league in assists but has also set a record for the most assisted three-pointers in a single season in WNBA history.
Impact on the Phoenix Mercury and MVP Potential
The Phoenix Mercury’s current success heavily depends on recognizing and leveraging Thomas’s playmaking talents by surrounding her with skilled shooters and versatile teammates. Her unique ability to orchestrate the offense makes her one of the most formidable players in the league right now. Her outstanding contributions have made her a strong MVP candidate this season, with many expecting her to secure the award if Phoenix sustains its strong performance through the remainder of the year.
This progression solidifies Thomas’s status among the elite in the WNBA, highlighting her growing influence and the evolving dynamics of the assist leaderboard. The ongoing competition among the top assist leaders promises thrilling developments as all continue to strive for higher ranks in upcoming seasons.
“Thomas, the only forward in the top 10, passed Hammon mere days after playing against the Aces, who Hammon currently coaches.” — Chris Harrison, Team Reporter
“She also led the league in assists in 2007. Hammon was regarded as a fierce competitor and one of the smartest player in the league.” — Chris Harrison, Team Reporter
“A huge part of the Mercury’s success this season has been recognizing Thomas’s talents as a playmaker and surrounding her with enough shooting and skill to let her game shine.” — Chris Harrison, Team Reporter
“She’s a deserving MVP candidate this season and could very well take home the award if Phoenix finishes the season strong.” — Chris Harrison, Team Reporter