Phoenix, Arizona – Phoenix Mercury point guard Alyssa Thomas etched her name into WNBA history on Monday evening, becoming the first player in league history to record 1,000 career assists in a single season. The feat occurred during the Mercury’s 98-85 victory over the Connecticut Sun, a game dominated by Thomas’s relentless playmaking and scoring.
The 28-year-old, who entered the contest with 988 assists, tallied a remarkable 32 points, 12 rebounds, and a staggering 11 assists. The 11 assists marked her third triple-double of the season and the 14th of her career, further solidifying her reputation as one of the league’s premier floor generals.
“It’s surreal,” Thomas stated in a post-game press conference. “To be the first to accomplish this…it’s an incredible honor and a testament to the work my teammates and I have put in. We’re focused on building something special here in Phoenix.”
The milestone was achieved during a fourth-quarter surge where Thomas orchestrated a 12-3 run, culminating in a spectacular crossover and floater over Jordin Martinez to give the Mercury a decisive lead. The crowd erupted in a thunderous ovation as she approached the 1,000 assist mark, a moment captured extensively by broadcast cameras and social media.
Analysts were quick to praise Thomas’s performance and acknowledge the historic nature of her achievement. “Alyssa Thomas is truly a force,” commented veteran sports analyst, Michael Harding, on *WNBA Today*. “Her court vision, her passing accuracy, and her ability to control the tempo are unparalleled. This is a defining moment in her career and a significant victory for the Mercury franchise.”
The 1,000 assists mark represents a substantial portion of Thomas’s overall career total, currently standing at 2,852. The Mercury, currently holding a 68-60 regular season record, are now firmly positioned as a playoff contender in the Western Conference.
With only five games remaining in the regular season, attention will undoubtedly remain focused on Alyssa Thomas and her pursuit of further accolades. The league, and indeed the basketball world, will be watching closely to see what the future holds for this rising star and the Phoenix Mercury.