Alyssa Thomas to Mercury: Why the WNBA Move Makes Sense

Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas is rapidly establishing herself as a dominant force in the WNBA, and her impact was immediately felt in her first season with the team. Beyond contributing to a Mercury squad that reached the WNBA Finals, Thomas achieved a level of individual performance rarely seen in the league, highlighted by a historic number of triple-doubles.

A Record-Breaking Season

Thomas’s 2023-2025 season with the Mercury was nothing short of spectacular. She averaged an impressive 15.4 points, 9.2 assists, and 8.8 rebounds per game, alongside 1.6 steals. This all-around excellence propelled her into MVP consideration, where she finished fifth in voting, receiving 83 points compared to A’ja Wilson’s winning total of 670.

Did You Know? Alyssa Thomas recorded eight triple-doubles in her first season with the Phoenix Mercury.

From Connecticut to Phoenix

Before joining the Mercury, Thomas honed her skills with the Connecticut Sun. Her journey began after being drafted by the New York Liberty, but a quick trade sent her to the Sun, where she spent several seasons developing into one of the league’s premier players. In her final year with Connecticut, she averaged 10.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 1.6 steals, earning another MVP nomination.

Dominating Matchups Against Former Team

The transition to the Western Conference didn’t slow Thomas down. In fact, her presence proved particularly challenging for her former team. The Connecticut Sun swept the Mercury in their 2024 season series, but Thomas played a significant role in those victories. In the first game, she contributed 10 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, as the Sun won 70-47.

She followed that performance with 12 rebounds, 10 points, 6 assists, and 2 blocks in an 83-72 win. Even in a game where Kahleah Copper scored 21 points for Phoenix, the Sun secured another victory. The Sun completed the sweep with an 88-69 win, during which Thomas dished out 11 assists.

Expert Insight: Alyssa Thomas’s ability to consistently fill the stat sheet – scoring, rebounding, assisting, and defending – makes her a uniquely valuable player. Her impact extends beyond raw numbers, as her presence elevates the play of her teammates and creates significant challenges for opposing teams.

Thomas has proven herself to be a top player in the Eastern Conference, and is now making a significant impact in the West. Her versatility and all-around game make her a key component of the Mercury’s success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position does Alyssa Thomas play?

Alyssa Thomas plays forward for the Phoenix Mercury.

How many triple-doubles did Alyssa Thomas have in her first season with the Mercury?

Alyssa Thomas had eight triple-doubles in her first season with the Phoenix Mercury.

What team did Alyssa Thomas play for before joining the Phoenix Mercury?

Alyssa Thomas played for the Connecticut Sun before joining the Phoenix Mercury.

As Alyssa Thomas continues to build her legacy with the Phoenix Mercury, what impact will her leadership and all-around play have on the team’s future aspirations?