Alyssa Thomas has never been one to back down from a challenge, and her coach, Nate Tibbetts, is making sure she stays that way. As the Phoenix Mercury prepare for their crucial WNBA Finals stretch, Tibbetts is going all in with his one big star.
While the Mercury are already two games down, Game 3 would be a crucial deciding game that they won’t want to miss out on. However, even with a recent surge in fouls that could rattle any team’s rhythm, the Mercury coach Tibbetts championed Thomas, as she is too important to hold back.
HC Tibbetts Goes All In With Alyssa Thomas Despite Rising Foul Count
Coming off one of the most physical playoff stretches in her career, Alyssa Thomas has battled through it all. She managed a rising foul count that’s testing her aggression on both ends of the floor. Still, Coach Nate Tibbetts refuses to pull her back. In his eyes, Thomas should play the way she has been playing.
“There is no holding back AT. She is who she is. That’s why we love her, and she’s the player that she is. The thing that I get disappointed in hearing is our officials say she’s hard to officiate because she plays so physical. AT is going to be AT when we want her to be,” Tibbetts said.
#Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts on Alyssa Thomas being in foul trouble in Game 2 vs Las Vegas #WNBAFinals pic.twitter.com/XuwWQsKKcC
— jeffmetcalfe (@jeffmetcalfe) October 6, 2025
It’s undoubtedly a gamble that could define the Mercury’s championship run and Thomas’ place in WNBA history. However, the veteran Mercury forward has earned a tag for her rugged interior play and unmatched endurance. She has additionally been a game-changer since joining the team.
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Alyssa Thomas Sounds Confident On Another WNBA Ring
While there’s a good chance Thomas will witness yet another physical game in Game 3, she’s not looking anywhere other than advancing into the series. Recently, she got 100% real about the Mercury’s championship chances and her own hunger to secure another ring.
Thomas stressed that the key lies in staying composed through adversity and trusting her teammates to match her energy.
“None of the records or any of it is completed without a championship. Winning a championship just completes the résumé on a great career… I can’t stop until I get one,” she said.
Alyssa Thomas is chasing her first championship.
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 7, 2025
When asked what adding a ring would mean to her legacy, she made it clear: “I can’t stop until I get one.” 🏆#WNBAFinals | @youtubetv pic.twitter.com/CdPMo0IaxK
Despite a tough game ahead, AT believes her physical style remains her greatest weapon. However, if both coach and player stay aligned, Alyssa Thomas could once again prove that controlled chaos is her greatest strength.