Alyssa Thomas Climbs WNBA Record List Despite Mercury’s Struggles in 2026 Start

The Phoenix Mercury’s 2026 WNBA season has opened with inconsistency, but one constant has remained in the form of veteran forward Alyssa Thomas. Despite the team’s early setbacks, Thomas has continued to deliver high-level production night after night.

That trend continued on Thursday, even as the Mercury fell 97-88 to the Los Angeles Sparks at Mortgage Matchup Center. The result marked another disappointing outcome for Phoenix, but it was far from reflective of Thomas’ individual performance.

The 34-year-old forward once again filled the stat sheet, reinforcing her reputation as one of the league’s most complete players. Her impact was felt across scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defense.

While the Mercury continue searching for consistency as a team, Thomas’ historic production is placing her among the most statistically accomplished players in WNBA history.

1. Another Elite All-Around Performance

Thomas led Phoenix in the loss with 23 points on efficient 7-for-13 shooting, maintaining her strong scoring form early in the season. She also added seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals in 35 minutes of action. Her performance reflected the multi-dimensional style that has defined her career, as she contributed in nearly every facet of the game. Whether initiating offense or finishing possessions, Thomas remained central to Phoenix’s game plan. Even in defeat, her ability to consistently impact multiple statistical categories stood out as one of the few stabilizing elements for the Mercury. Her presence kept Phoenix competitive despite defensive lapses and scoring droughts elsewhere. The outing further reinforced her role as the team’s primary engine on both ends of the floor.

2. Historic Milestone in WNBA Record Book

Beyond the box score, Thomas reached a significant career milestone that further cemented her place among the league’s all-time greats. With her latest performance, she recorded her 82nd career game with at least 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists. That mark moved her into a tie with Diana Taurasi for second-most such games in WNBA history. Only Candace Parker remains ahead, holding the record with 86. The achievement highlights Thomas’ remarkable consistency as a triple-threat performer capable of contributing across every statistical category. Her ability to sustain that level over multiple seasons underscores her durability and versatility. With the season still in its early stages and Thomas already adding multiple 15-5-5 performances in 2026, the gap to the top of the list appears increasingly within reach.

3. Team Struggles Overshadow Individual Success

Despite Thomas’ continued excellence, the Mercury have struggled to convert individual production into team success. The loss to the Sparks dropped Phoenix to 2-4 on the season, extending a current two-game losing streak. The gap between Thomas’ output and the team’s results has become a central storyline early in the year. While she has maintained All-Star-level production, Phoenix has been unable to consistently execute on both ends of the floor. Entering the game, Thomas was averaging 16.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.4 assists, numbers that place her among the league’s most productive players. However, those contributions have not yet translated into a winning record. Looking ahead, the Mercury will attempt to regroup as they begin a three-game road trip against the Atlanta Dream, seeking to turn individual excellence into collective success.