Thomas and Mercury to Semis: Historic Triple-Double Eliminates Liberty

New WNBA Champion in 2025!

Phoenix prepares for a new era in the WNBA, with the outstanding performance of Alyssa Thomas, who led the Mercury to victory over the defending champions, the New York Liberty. Thomas, with a historic performance, recorded the first 20-point triple-double of the WNBA postseason, securing the Mercury’s place in the semifinals. The final score was 79-73 in favor of Phoenix in Game 3, eliminating the Liberty. Thomas accumulated 11 rebounds and 11 assists, adding his ninth triple-double of the season and the fifth in the playoffs. She is the second player to achieve a triple-double in a decisive game.

“She impacts the game in many ways. She only cares about winning,” commented Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts.

Nate Tibbetts

The audience present at the PHX Arena chanted “MVP” while Thomas was shooting free throws. Thomas, who played 11 seasons in Connecticut before arriving in Phoenix, celebrated the victory with his coach and teammate DeWanna Bonner. The Mercury, ranked fourth, will face the Lynx, the top-ranked team, in a best-of-five semifinal series. Breanna Stewart of the Liberty expressed her admiration for Thomas, despite the defeat. Bonner’s shot, with little time left, extended Phoenix’s lead to five points. The Mercury’s star trio, composed of Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally, and Thomas, contributed 74 of the team’s 79 points. Sabally achieved her first playoff double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Phoenix dominated the rebounds, with a 49-33 advantage.

Liberty coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged Phoenix’s better execution in key moments. Stewart, despite a medial collateral ligament injury, scored 30 points. Sabrina Ionescu added 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists. The Mercury and Lynx have faced each other four times in the regular season, with the Lynx winning the series 3-1. Copper and Thomas did not play in the first two games. Thomas and Sabally expressed their enthusiasm for the next round.