The Phoenix Mercury has emerged as one of the most consistent teams this year. With 27 wins and 14 losses, the Mercury qualified for the playoffs in flying colors. And one of the main architects of the team’s fantastic display is none other than Alyssa Thomas. Her influence has been such that the likes of Sheryl Swoopes have backed Thomas over Collier for the MVP award.
Looking back at their season, it now looks like quite an intriguing planning made by the management. The team kicked off proceedings by roping in the likes of Satou Sabally, Thomas, and DeWanna Bonner. And just like that, the team looked like a champion outfit in the making.
Change Of Tactics Worked Wonders For Phoenix Mercury
Nate Tibbetts is in his second year with the Mercury. Thus, quite expectedly, he knew the pulse of the team. And immediately, the coach brought in a change of tactics this year. The Mercury coach prepared his team to play fast-paced basketball. And he coupled it beautifully with the ploy of bombarding the opponents with a bunch of three-peat shots.
But his master stroke came in the form of Thomas. Instead of playing a traditional point-guard, Tibbetts used Thomas as a forward. With some impeccable passing and throwing skills, the 33-year-old became the main attacking force for the team. She shot some impressive triple-doubles to make things easier for Phoenix.
On pace to do what’s never been done in the WNBA. Because there’s never been a player like Alyssa Thomas. pic.twitter.com/NXo4Wuuw1f
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) September 5, 2025
Showing a lot of trust in the athlete, coach Tibbetts said, “Every night, you can count on her, and count on her in a big way.” Surely, she did prove her worth by coming up with a 23-point game against the Indiana Fever on September 2. The Mercury coach is so impressed with her that Thomas received a Damian Lillard comparison from Nate Tibbetts recently. Meanwhile, she also garnered praise from opposing coaches.
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Stephanie White Praises Phoenix Mercury‘s Alyssa Thomas For Her Sublime Season
Thomas has been looking unstoppable this season. Till now, she has hit six triple-doubles in the ongoing season. She also has an astonishing record of dropping 16 assists twice in her career. And while she broke Caitlin Clark’s single-season assists record, Fever head coach Stephanie White could not help but applaud the 33-year-old.
“I mean, a couple of things. One, she’s a point guard in a power forward’s body. I mean, she’s got a point guard mentality. She anticipates really well. Her passes are always on time, on target. They’re right on the money. And she’s got the physicality of a big and the ball handling of a guard as well,” White said.
Well, going into the playoffs, Thomas will surely have to take on ample responsibilities. But with her flexible play, she will be expected to give her coach the much-needed freedom to play within the crucial phases of the league.