No one expected the Phoenix Mercury to be in the playoffs after losing the likes of Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. They had to change ten players from last year’s side and had just one returning starter from last season in Kahleah Copper. But despite that, the Mercury fought their way to the finals all thanks to their engine, the triple-double queen Alyssa Thomas.

Thomas’ journey to the top hasn’t been easy. She’s battled a torn labrum in both shoulders since 2017 and even came back from a ruptured Achilles in just nine months in 2021. Since then, she’s finished top five in MVP voting four straight years (2022–25). Thomas is simply indestructible. “I’ve been chasing a championship for a long time, and I believe this is our moment,” she said. Her wait for that title continues with th

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