Connecticut Sun star Alyssa Thomas is set to make her Olympic debut as part of the star-studded Team USA roster. This marks a significant milestone for the four-time WNBA All-Star, who will finally take her talents to the grandest stage in basketball after failing to do that so time due to an injury.
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, this Connecticut Sun star is not just tall—she’s a powerhouse on the court. Known as ‘The Engine,’ Thomas has been instrumental in the Sun’s success over the past few years. Her selection to the Olympic team is no surprise, given her exceptional performance in the 2023 WNBA season. Thomas’ dominant play last year solidified her status as one of the league’s top players and made her a shoo-in for the national team. Let’s put the spotlight on her incredible 2023 campaign that earned her a spot on the Olympic roster.
Alyssa Thomas’ stellar show in WNBA 2023
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Thomas lost the 2023 WNBA MVP race to Breanna Stewart, a long-expected outcome in a season. But that is not to say her season was anywhere near below average. In 2023, the league saw her scoring 619 points with an average of 15.5 points, as per ESPN. It was her career’s peak level performance. But hold on, that was not something to be awestruck as she ranked 20th on the highest points scored list.
What has been Alyssa Thomas’ most impressive achievement this season?
Thomas put up numbers never seen before in other strides. The 32-year-old forward shattered records by posting an unprecedented six triple-doubles, a feat unmatched by any other player in league history. Thomas’ dominance expanded as she also showcased her prowess as a rebounder and playmaker.
Averaging career-highs of 9.9 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game, she secured the league’s rebounding title and narrowly missed out on the assists per game crown, finishing second behind Courtney Vandersloot. However, she played a few extra matches than Vandersloot and broke the league’s single-season assist record with 316 assists. With 1.8 steals, she also ranked third in steals per game. Remarkably, Thomas led Connecticut Sun in all major statistical categories.
Alyssa Thomas’ other stats that make her a standout player
If these impressive stats aren’t enough to highlight Alyssa Thomas’s potential, consider this: she became the first player in WNBA history to tally over 600 points, 300 rebounds, and 300 assists in a single season. And hold on, she also etched her name in the WNBA record books by finishing a game with over 20 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.
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via Getty
PALMETTO, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 27: Alyssa Thomas #25 of the Connecticut Sun reacts to a foul during the second half of Game Four of their Third Round playoff against the Las Vegas Aces at Feld Entertainment Center on September 27, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Alyssa Thomas didn’t win the MVP award but she garnered more first-place votes (23) than Breanna Stewart (20) and A’ja Wilson (12). However, in the voting process, each voter ranks their top five candidates, and Stewart ultimately accumulated more total points, narrowly surpassing Thomas with a score of 446 to 439.
For all the basketball enthusiasts, the upcoming Olympics represent a thrilling opportunity to see Alyss Thomas in action on the global stage. Her journey from a standout player in the WNBA to an Olympic athlete is a story of dedication, skill, and perseverance and it will be interesting to watch what she brings with Team USA at Paris.
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Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.
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Publish date : 2024-07-24 00:13:00
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