‘AT for MVP‘: Alyssa Thomas Making Unstoppable Case in Phoenix
PHOENIX – Alyssa Thomas is rapidly ascending as the frontrunner for the WNBA’s Moast Valuable Player award, fueled by a historic season with the Phoenix Mercury that has propelled the team into playoff contention. The 11-year veteran’s all-around dominance is rewriting the record books and captivating coaches and teammates alike.
Thomas’ impact extends far beyond traditional scoring. She is currently averaging 53% shooting from the field and a remarkable 71.4% within two feet of the basket. But her offensive contributions are only part of the story. Thomas leads the league in assist percentage with 52.7 – a significant margin ahead of second-place Veronica Burton of golden State at 36.6 – demonstrating her remarkable playmaking ability. This translates to quickly transitioning defense into offense, a skill repeatedly highlighted by Phoenix head coach Nate Tibbetts.
“She just impacts the game in so many ways,” Tibbetts said. “Those are just the numbers. But, you know, you can’t put a value on her competitive spirit and her focus and determination and what she dose at the defensive end, right? Like, she’s just probably the best, like, free safety in our league, she just can see things that others can’t defensively, and all those things matter.”
Thomas is also averaging 7.3 defensive rebounds per game, the second-highest of her career, further showcasing her versatility. Her ability to secure possessions and initiate fast breaks is a cornerstone of the Mercury’s offensive attack. Tibbetts noted her efficiency in transition: “She goes from a rebound,one-or-two dribbles,and she’s at half court.”
Teammates are equally vocal in their support. Veteran Sophie Cunningham playfully acknowledged Thomas’ reluctance to self-promote, stating, “We love it, but she doesn’t. You don’t see her post too much on social media about it. She don’t talk about it much. That’s just who she is. She loves basketball, and she likes to play the right way.”
Sami Whitcomb believes the statistics speak for themselves. “If you’re watching and you know basketball and you know impact and value, there’s no pitch,” Whitcomb said. “No one has done what she’s doing every single day.”
Thomas and the Mercury, who have secured homecourt advantage for the WNBA Playoffs, enter the final week of the regular season with momentum.Thomas, known for her signature spin move – “It’s my patented move,” she told reporters – continues to be a driving force behind their success.
All stats sourced from basketball Reference.