Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas Achieves Historic Seventh Triple-Double, Leads Team to Victory
PHOENIX – Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury etched her name into WNBA history wednesday night, recording a remarkable triple-double with 10 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in a 90-84 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. This performance marks Thomas’s seventh triple-double of the season, surpassing the previous WNBA record for most in a single season. She is also the first player in WNBA or NBA history to achieve at least 12 rebounds and 15 assists in consecutive games.
Thomas’s historic night unfolded while battling an illness, a testament to her resilience and dominance on the court. Despite scoring only one point in the first half, she relentlessly pursued rebounds and facilitated the offence, ultimately securing her sixth triple-double in August alone. No other WNBA player has recorded more than one triple-double in a calendar month, and Thomas’s career total now stands at an unprecedented four.
“Happy I made it through. Still not feeling the best, but a win always helps,” Thomas said after the game.
The Mercury’s win propelled them to 23-14, moving into sole possession of fourth place in the WNBA standings, surpassing the New York Liberty (23-15). Satou Sabally led Phoenix in scoring with 19 points, while Kahleah Copper added 18 and Sami Whitcomb contributed 17 points, including five successful three-pointers. DeWanna Bonner rounded out the double-digit scorers with 14 points.
Phoenix’s bench proved crucial, contributing nine of the team’s 11 three-pointers.
For the Sparks,Dearica Hamby led the way with 25 points and eight rebounds,followed by Rickea Jackson with 21 points and four three-pointers,and Kelsey Plum with 20 points. Plum also reached a milestone, surpassing 700 points for the third time in her career.The Mercury’s victory underscores their late-season surge and solidifies their position in the playoff race. Thomas’s continued exceptional play elevates not only her team’s chances but also sets a new standard for all-around performance in the WNBA.
