When Alyssa Thomas left the Connecticut Sun this offseason, it was the end of an era. Thomas played her first eleven seasons in the WNBA with the Sun, and helped lead the team to two finals and four semifinal appearances between 2019 and 2024. While the Sun only won one game when they went to the finals in 2022, they came close to winning a title in 2019. Led by Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas, Courtney Williams, and Jasmine Thomas, the Sun forced a Game 5 against the Mystics.
Now, in her twelfth season and on a new team with new star teammates, Thomas still has her eyes set on that elusive ring. With an 89-83 overtime win against the Lynx, Thomas and the Mercury are now one step closer to achieving that goal.
“I’ve been chasing a championship for a long time, and I think this is our time,” Thomas said after the game.
The Mercury showed toughness and resilience
The Mercury were down by as many as 20 points to a surging Lynx team, but managed to turn things around after the first half, winning the third and fourth quarters and forcing overtime on a clutch three from Sami Whitcomb. The Mercury also won overtime 10-4.
The Lynx got 20+ point games from Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, and Courtney Williams, but the bench unit of Natisha Hiedeman, Jessica Shepard, and Maria Kliundikova only combined for three points, nine rebounds, and three assists.
Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally contended nicely with the Lynx’s stars. Thomas recorded a double-double with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists, and Sabally put up 24 points and 9 rebounds. The Mercury’s bench made a real difference as well. Kathryn Westbeld hit some big shots off the bench and got four steals, and Sami Whitcomb was the star of the show with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals.
The Mercury will get to play the next two games at home
Getting a win on the Lynx’s home court was huge for the Mercury. Minnesota isn’t a team that loses at home often, but Phoenix had to rise to the challenge to have any hope of winning the series.
The Mercury’s playoff run has been gruelling so far. They played a three-game series that required them to fly back between Phoenix and New York and then had to go to Minnesota right after winning the final game against the defending champions. Getting to play two games at home should be a nice change of pace.
Winning a five-game series against the Lynx will be a tall task, but the Mercury have a solid chance to secure Thomas another shot at a title.