After defeating the 2024 WNBA champions, the Phoenix Mercury will face the other finalist in the second round. While the challenge is more difficult, Nate Tibbetts’ team is prepared for it. The match-deciding battle is between Alyssa Thomas and Napheesa Collier, and the Mercury star answered the question of playing against the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year.
The Minnesota Lynx stunned the Golden State Valkyries with an epic comeback and were the first team to reach the 2025 WNBA semifinals. During the game, AT playfully responded to the question about defending their star player.
Alyssa Thomas On Defending Napheesa Collier
The Golden State Valkyries tested the league leaders, stretching them to the final possession in Game 2. While Collier highlighted how Cheryl Reeve’s message inspired them to victory, the semifinal challenge was different – the fourth-seeded Phoenix Mercury.
The opponents were defensively strong, but the team’s leading scorer, Collier, scored 10 quick points. Thomas took the assignment and turned up her defensive pressure, completely shutting down ‘Phee’ in the second quarter, allowing the visitors to extend their lead to seven points.
While the plan seemed to be working, a court reporter asked AT about her plan to monitor the former UConn player. “She’s gotta guard me too, so I’m doing the same thing. We’re good,” Thomas said cheekily.
Alyssa Thomas being asked about guarding Napheesa Collier
— Tyler DeLuca (@TylerDeLuca) September 21, 2025
“She gotta guard me too. We good.” and the walk off
We got a very fun matchup on our hands folks!! pic.twitter.com/Xjl4TQ5ezu
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In the end, Collier finished with 18 points, but Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride scored 20+ points to help the team secure an 82-69 win at home. Thomas also finished the game with 18 points, matching her competitor on the floor.
Kayla McBride Praised Alyssa Thomas
After losing the opening series against the Mercury, Breanna Stewart lauded Thomas’ impact in games and predicted that other teams would also face issues dealing with the star forward. Kayla McBride also praised the 33-year-old forward.
“[Alyssa Thomas] is a great player. She’s continuously shown that throughout her career. When you’re playing against great players, you know that they’re going to be able to get part of what they do well, what they do great, why she’s in the MVP conversation, things like that. You just gotta keep fighting and stay competitive, and you do what you can,” McBride said.
The Lynx won the regular season series against the Mercury, with three wins in four meetings. Now, both teams have healthy rosters available for the matchups, making it an interesting series overall.