Can Anyone Stop Alyssa Thomas?

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Alyssa Thomas Makes Triple-Double History (Again) 👀

AT has done it again. In Phoenix’s win over the Sparks Tuesday night, Alyssa Thomas put up 12 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists for her 7th triple-double of the season, breaking her own WNBA record for most in a year. (ESPN)

🎥 Watch AT make triple-double history

WHY IT MATTERS: Thomas also became the first player ever to record at least 10 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in a game. Already the all-time triple-double leader, she continues to redefine versatility in the W. With the Mercury 23–14 and sitting 4th in the standings, Thomas is making a strong MVP case — though she’s got fierce competition (see story #3).

2. Inaugural SI Women’s Games Land Top Talent 🎯

The Sports Illustrated Women’s Games don’t tip off until October, but the event is already drawing top names. Sparks star Dearica Hamby, Dream rookie Te-Hina Paopao, and star Rhyne Howard are among those confirmed to suit up for Team America. (Sports Illustrated)

WHY IT MATTERS: The Sports Illustrated Women’s Games are a week-long competition that will feature seven sports — basketball, tennis, flag football, volleyball, gymnastics, judo, and wrestling — with Team America vs Team World battling for cash prizes and bragging rights. Beyond the competition, the event is a rare, large-scale stage dedicated entirely to women’s sports, and WNBA athletes are helping lead the way.

3. The MVP Race Is Coming Down to the Wire 🏁

Just a month ago, Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier looked like a lock for MVP. But since her ankle injury, the field has blown wide open. A’ja Wilson has led the Aces on a 12-game win streak, Alyssa Thomas has logged five triple-doubles, and Kelsey Mitchell broke the Fever’s single-season scoring record. (High Post Hoops)

WHY IT MATTERS: This is shaping up to be one of the most competitive MVP races in recent memory. Each candidate has impressive stats, but also the intangibles that make an MVP. One underrated metric is Player Impact Estimate (PIE) — a stat that measures a player’s overall impact on their team. The top 3 in PIE this season: Wilson (21.7), Collier (20.3), and Thomas (20.0).