The Phoenix Mercury vs. the Indiana Fever was a crucial encounter for both teams with different league aspirations. The Mercury is pushing for second place in the league standings, while the Indiana Fever is fighting for a place in the postseason. One of the major difference makers in the side’s contrasting form is Alyssa Thomas, who is breaking multiple franchise records and league records in 2025.
Earlier in the season, Thomas shattered the Mercury franchise’s assists record with her near triple-double performance against the Liberty side. Later, she broke CC’s single-season assists record. While her incredible season stunned everyone, the Fever head coach Stephanie White lauded her playmaking ability.
Stephanie White Praises Alyssa Thomas
The revamped Mercury team is fiercer than ever. Top stars like Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper, and DeWanna Bonner are in top form, while ‘the engine’ is also all set to push for a title this season. She is not only a great rebounder and defender playing at the forward position, but also provides elite offensive gameplay.
The Indiana Fever visited the PHX Arena for a crucial game against the Mercury. Interviewers asked Stephanie White about plans to counter the former Maryland player, just like every other opposing head coach has been questioned lately. White also highlighted the forward’s impact and playmaking abilities for the Mercury.
“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 told the media in a pre-game press conference.
The Mercury HC Nate Tibbetts even compared Thomas to NBA superstar guard Damian Lillard, drawing comparisons between the two players. The 6-foot-2 player can play at any position on the court, which gives her coach options to field the strongest team in games.
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Thomas broke her own triple-double record, taking the game to new highs. While A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Mitchell are moving up in the MVP power ranking, the Mercury star continues to stay consistent and holds an outside chance of winning her first major accolade.
Alyssa Thomas Shines In Game Against Indiana Fever
Proving Stephanie White’s every word from the pre-game press conference, AT delivered yet another power-packed performance against the Fever team. After the Fever’s strong run in the second half, the Mercury forward held her nerves and contributed in every department of the game. She finished the game with 23 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds, just short of her 20th triple-double performance.
Kelsey Mitchel returned to her offensive form and scored 29 points, while Lexie Hull provided support with 18 points. Natasha Howard’s struggles in the game affected the result as the Indiana Fever lost its 20th game of the season. They now stand in eighth position in the league standings and have just one game advantage over the ninth-seeded Sparks.
As for the Mercury, they are now level with the second-seed Las Vegas Aces and third-seed Atlanta Dream with a 26-14 record and hold fourth position in league standings.