Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury is on the cusp of WNBA history, and here's why she's poised to become a top-10 all-time rebounder. Fresh off a stellar 2025 season that saw her as a legitimate MVP contender, Thomas isn't just scoring points; she's dominating the boards. But can she really crack the top 10? Let's dive into the numbers.
In 2025, her first season with the Mercury, Thomas propelled the team to its first WNBA Finals appearance since 2021, marking the franchise's sixth overall. While the Las Vegas Aces ultimately swept Phoenix, Thomas's individual performance shone throughout their playoff run, which included victories against formidable opponents like the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx.
That season, the Mercury's All-Star forward showcased her all-around game, averaging an impressive 15.4 points, a league-leading 9.2 assists, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. While Angel Reese topped the league with 12.6 rebounds per game, followed by A'ja Wilson with 10.2, Thomas's consistent performance across the season placed her third overall.
Thomas amassed a total of 344 rebounds in 2025, with a significant emphasis on the defensive end, grabbing 280 defensive rebounds compared to 64 offensive boards. This highlights her strategic positioning and anticipation on defense, a crucial element in her rebounding prowess.
Looking back to 2024, while playing for the Connecticut Sun, where her WNBA journey began, Thomas secured 337 rebounds (239 defensive and 98 offensive). This demonstrates a slight shift in her rebounding balance, with a higher proportion of offensive rebounds. But here's where it gets controversial... some might argue that her move to the Mercury allowed her to focus more on defensive rebounding, knowing she had a strong offensive team around her. What do you think?
Drafted by the Liberty as the fourth overall pick in 2014 but immediately traded to the Sun, Thomas quickly established herself as a valuable player. In her rookie season, she recorded 174 rebounds (111 defensive and 63 offensive), setting the stage for a career defined by consistent growth and impactful contributions.
Thomas truly hit her stride in 2023, amassing a career-high 394 rebounds, with 314 coming on the defensive end. 2023 was also the year she made history with six triple-doubles, a record she shattered in 2025 with an astounding eight. This versatility made her a strong MVP candidate in 2023, ultimately finishing second in the voting. And this is the part most people miss... Thomas's rebounding isn't just about grabbing the ball; it's about initiating fast breaks and creating scoring opportunities for her teammates.
Currently, Thomas boasts a career total of 2,740 rebounds, placing her 12th on the WNBA's all-time rebounding list. Ahead of her is Taj McWilliams-Franklin with 3,013 rebounds. Tina Thompson sits at 10th with 3,070 boards. Thomas is within striking distance.
With a season mirroring her 2025 performance, Thomas stands a strong chance of breaking into the top 10. Her consistent rebounding, coupled with her all-around contributions, makes her a force to be reckoned with. Whether she prioritizes offensive or defensive rebounds, her impact on the game is undeniable. Ultimately, Thomas's relentless drive and strategic awareness make her a rebounding machine. Do you believe she'll crack the top 10? What other factors could influence her climb up the rebounding ranks? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
