"She needs MVP love" - WNBA fans react as Alyssa Thomas stamps her case with record-extending 21st triple-double

Alyssa Thomas made history in the Phoenix Mercury's 81-72 win against the Golden State Valkyries on Friday. Thomas had 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 16 assists, marking her sixth triple-double this season and 21st of her career.

Thomas tied the single-season triple-double record, which she had set previously, and set the franchise's single-game assists record.

WNBA fans were quick to put her in MVP conversations once more.

"She needs her MVP love," one fan commented.

17 Carries 2 Touchdowns 165 Yards

@fakndafunk

She needs her MVP love

§

@_CoreyDaGawd_

@UnderdogWNBA MVP race got 3 real cases man.

E

@murdamonkk

@UnderdogWNBA MVP

Others expressed disbelief in Thomas' numbers as she continues to tear it up with the Mercury.

Sha Hartley

@shahartley

@UnderdogWNBA She's carrying that team.

Frieza’s Burner

@King_Cold_Son

@UnderdogWNBA My glorious stud 🐐

AUSTIN HONEY

@AUSTINHONEY88

@UnderdogWNBA She’s on fire 🔥

It was Thomas's second triple-double in the last four games. She is averaging 16.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

Thomas is among the top contenders for the MVP award alongside Allisha Gray, A'ja Wilson, and Napheesa Collier. This is the closest Thomas has been to an MVP award, as she finished second in voting in the 2023 season.

Mercury are fourth in the standings with a 22-14 record, but just one game behind the second-placed Atlanta Dream.

Alyssa Thomas thanks fans for MVP chants after win against the Valkyries

Alyssa Thomas received MVP chants from the Mercury crowd as she pulled down her 10th rebound in the win against the Valkyries. For the Mercury star, the fans' chants were a sign of respect for her game.

“I feel like it’s the ultimate sign of respect from a fan base,” Thomas said. “Not too many people can say that they’ve had a crowd cheering for them like that, but feel truly appreciated. I know I got them supporting me 100% and just super grateful for those moments.”

Meanwhile, Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts continued to push Thomas' case for the MVP award, saying that she has been overlooked throughout the season.

“I think she’s been overlooked this year. She’s probably been overlooked her whole career when it comes to the MVP type race,” Tibbetts said.

“But she knows how important she is to us. She knows how important she is to the Valley and how much we appreciate her. And she’s just a special, special talent, and we’re all lucky to be watching her every day.”

Thomas still has eight games to boost her case.