The Phoenix Mercury vs. the Indiana Fever has been one of the most exciting rivalries this season. The Valley team had downtown Indiana looking for answers during their 85-79 victory. While the Fever coach Stephanie White had praising words for Alyssa Thomas, the Mercury star didn’t mind taking a dig.
Though the home team at PHX Arena improved to 26-14 while tying for the No. 2 playoff seed with the Atlanta Dream and Las Vegas Aces. While the road ahead looks as challenging towards the playoffs, the recent post-game presser added a unique contrast to the rivalry.
Alyssa Thomas Reveals Stephanie White’s Strategy
The Mercury have been on a surge, winning seven out of the ten games played. Just like all those games, Thomas led the last game with 23 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, while DeWanna Bonner added 19 points.
For the Fever, Kelsey Mitchell scored 20 points, and Aliyah Boston had 16 points and 10 rebounds. The game marked the Mercury’s second win in the three-game season series against Indiana, following a 107-101 Fever victory on July 30 and a 95-60 Mercury blowout on August 7.
However, post-game, Thomas made headlines with comments on Fever coach Stephanie White’s tactics. Thomas and Bonner both played under White for two years with the Connecticut Sun before White took the Indiana job this offseason. When asked if knowing White’s system gave Phoenix an edge, Thomas had a telling answer.
“It’s a huge advantage. Like you said, we played, what, two years [under White]? Everything is pretty much the same stuff. Defense, offense. We know everything they’re about to do,” she said.
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Alyssa Thomas told me succinctly how much of an advantage it is playing against Stephanie White’s scheme.
— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) September 3, 2025
“We know everything they’re about to do.” pic.twitter.com/tBq2TEP41o
Bonner, who started 2025 with the Fever but requested a release after nine games due to fit issues, joined Phoenix and has averaged 11.4 points and 5.6 rebounds. Her brief Indiana stint ended sourly, and Fever fans booed her during her July return. However, Kaleah Copper slammed the Fever fans for booing her teammate.
Alyssa Thomas’ Surge Lead Mercury To Playoff Berth
While the Mercury had the Fever flying, Phoenix locked in a playoff spot, and with Alyssa Thomas leading the way, they’re quickly becoming one of the most thrilling teams to watch.
Thomas, who seems to be able to do it all, has already racked up seven triple-doubles this season. The Maryland alum also made history by setting the record for the most in a single year, all while leading the league in assists.
With a solid record, the Mercury are tied with the Las Vegas Aces for the second-best record in the West. They’re just three wins away from breaking their franchise record of 29 victories set back in 2014.
However, a playoff rematch with Indiana is possible. Phoenix could finish second to fifth, while Indiana risks dropping to ninth. With Bonner and Thomas knowing White’s style, the series could get spicier.