A 17-point win over the New York Liberty was another statement win for the Phoenix Mercury, who once again proved their title contender capability at the PHX Arena. Interestingly, Alyssa Thomas didn’t have to put up heavy numbers in the game, yet the fourth-seeded team dominated the game for the majority of the period.
Thomas had already set a triple-double record in the league, but against the Liberty, she had a rather quiet game. Still, the forward set a franchise record, breaking former player Brianna Turner’s record in the process.
Alyssa Thomas Breaks Brianna Turner’s Franchise Record
In the game against the defending champions, the 33-year-old star scored 14 points and had nine assists. While offensively, she recorded her average stats, she collected only five rebounds in the game.
Yet, the number took her rebounds tally to 303 rebounds in a season. This hands the former Maryland player a franchise record for the most rebounds in a single season. Alyssa Thomas already set a franchise record for most assists, and now, with the rebounds record, she adds another massive accomplishment in her first season with the Arizona franchise.
Breanna Turner played in 32 games for the Mercury during the 2021 season. She had her career best 9.2 rebounds and 7.8 points per game average in the season, setting a franchise record for the most rebounds in one season.
While it’s nearly impossible to break most points (860 by Diana Taurasi) or blocks (81 by Brittney Griner) franchise records with just five games remaining, she needs 17 steals to match DeWanna Bonner’s Mercury record for steals. It will be interesting to see whether the forward can cap off the incredible regular season with another feat.
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Coach Nate Tibbetts Highlights Key Factors Of Alyssa Thomas’ Game
After a win over the Chicago Sky, an interviewer asked HC Nate Tibbetts about key factors that set his star forward apart from the rest. The coach gave away two important stats that helped his side gain an advantage in the game. He mentioned that Thomas’ assists and rebounds make the game easier for his team.
“Well, I think for me it’s her assists. For her mom, it’s her rebounds. Her mom loves her rebounds. I think she impacts the game in so many ways,” the 48-year-old coach said in the post-game interview.
AT is leading the league in assists, while her rebounding average is the best on the roster. The player also averages around 16 points per game, completing her all-around gameplay for the side. Coach Nate Tibbetts is undoubtedly campaigning Alyssa Thomas for the 2025 MVP award. She might not have the flashy numbers like the league’s leading scorers or defenders, but her overall impact and the team’s standing tell a different story.