Indiana Fever fans are going through it right now. Although the team was on a 5-game winning streak without Caitlin Clark on the squad, back-to-back losses have once again raised concerns over the Fever’s play sans Clark. And with still no timetable being provided for her recovery, fans are growing impatient.
Fever’s 35-point loss to the Phoenix Mercury has only added to that, and the loss will rattle any fanbase. As fans expressed their frustration, Alyssa Thomas was unfortunately caught in the crossfire, as fans blamed her for stat padding.
Why Is Alyssa Thomas Being Accused of Stat Padding?
During Mercury’s win against the Fever, Alyssa Thomas registered an 18-point, 11-rebound, and 10-assist triple-double. This marked Thomas’s 3rd straight triple-double, breaking the record for the most consecutive triple-doubles in the WNBA.
Players in WNBA history with three consecutive triple-doubles:
Alyssa Thomas
End of list.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) August 8, 2025
While fans in Phoenix serenaded the Mercury forward with MVP chants, fans of the Fever don’t seem to agree, as they are now accusing her of stat padding.
Stat padding being up 30 is crazy work. But whatever
— Jodi ☕️☕️☕️ (@jodi_pnw) August 8, 2025
Thomas completed her historic triple-double with 3:47 left in the fourth after DeWanna Bonner knocked down a three assisted by the forward. However, Fever fans raised allegations of stat padding as they questioned why the forward was still in the game with the contest so far out of contention.
However, Phoenix fans came to Thomas’ rescue, defending her against the criticism.
Everyone saying stat padding if you had a player and your team having a chance to do this you wouldn’t say a damn thing!!
— Inspiration with Lucas (@LucasBryner3) August 8, 2025
The fan rightly pointed out that anybody with the chance to achieve the feat would go for it, just like Clark did. While Fever fans are quick to criticize Thomas for “stat padding,” the case wasn’t too different when Clark recorded her triple-double against the Chicago Sky in the opening game of the season.
Clark’s triple-double came with 2:22 left in the fourth and the Fever up 29. So to accuse Thomas of stat padding would be a bit hypocritical on the part of Fever fans.
However, Thomas and the Mercury fans will rejoice in the record as they increasingly look like securing home court for the Playoffs. Thomas has played a huge part in Phoenix’s strong season.
MVP candidate big time!!!!!
— Inspiration with Lucas (@LucasBryner3) August 8, 2025
As Napheesa Collier currently sits out with an ankle injury, this could serve as an opportunity for Thomas to continue her climb up the MVP ladder. And while Collier looks to be the clear frontrunner for now, a lot can change in a month.
