Alyssa Thomas showcased why she’s called “The Engine,” driving the Phoenix Mercury to a 79-71 win over the Minnesota Lynx on July 9. Her performance featured a career-best 29 points, commanding attention across the league and sparking MVP conversations. Known for her relentless motor and versatility, Thomas disrupted Minnesota’s rhythm, pushed tempo, and created constant matchup problems.
Her all-around impact has helped redefine the Mercury’s style of play. With fans and analysts buzzing, her ability to dominate both ends of the floor has only solidified her growing reputation as one of the WNBA’s most complete players.
Alyssa Thomas Makes MVP Statement in Mercury’s Win Over Lynx
Thomas delivered a career-best performance on July 9, scoring 29 points to lead the Mercury to victory. Of her 29 points, 12 came in the fourth quarter, where Phoenix closed on a decisive 19-4 run to secure the win.
Thomas shot 14-of-24 from the field and added 8 rebounds and 5 assists. She was coming off her 16th career triple-double on Monday. Her late-game dominance included 10 points during the Mercury’s closing push, including back-to-back scores that turned a tied game into a 75-71 lead.
Alyssa Thomas vs Minnesota:
29 PTS
8 RBS
5 AST
14-24 FGPhoenix wins, 79-71! 🏜️✨ pic.twitter.com/U8qkDHl30b
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) July 9, 2025
Despite not being named an All-Star starter, Thomas’s two-way presence and leadership in critical moments fuel MVP discussions. Her strong outing came in a head-to-head matchup with current MVP frontrunner Napheesa Collier.
“Alyssa Thomas is a MACHINE,” one analyst posted, while another was even more bullish.
“If AT wasn’t in the MVP conversation before, she’s in it now. Napheesa Collier, Allisha Gray and Alyssa Thomas are top 3 for me.”
Listen Alyssa Thomas is a LEGITIMATE MVP candidate. Not a distant 2nd. She’s right there for me.
What a win for the Mercury!
— Natalie Esquire (@natfluential) July 9, 2025
“Yeah Alyssa Thomas number HEAVY in that MVP convo,” another quipped
“Alyssa Thomas should be in your first sentence of MVP discussion,” another posted
Thomas’s fiancée and former teammate, DeWanna Bonner, made her season debut for Phoenix after signing as a free agent the previous day. Bonner, who helped the Mercury win titles in 2009 and 2014, contributed seven points and six rebounds in 26 minutes.
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“We’re extremely excited for DB to be here,” head coach Nate Tibbetts said. “She’s someone we’ve tried to go after the last two offseasons. We really love her versatility, her playoff experience, her shot making.”
Monique Akoa Makani added 13 points, including eight in the second half, while Sami Whitcomb had 10 for Phoenix (14-6), which played without Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper for the second straight game.
Courtney Williams led Minnesota (17-3) with 21 points, while Napheesa Collier finished with 18 points on 8-of-15 shooting and seven rebounds.
Phoenix dominated the paint 56-34, with Thomas taking control in the absence of perimeter shooting. The Mercury hit just 1-of-16 from deep. They’ll face the Golden State Valkyries on July 14.
