Alyssa Thomas Makes WNBA History Against Indiana Fever

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Jun 22, 2026 8:36 PM ET

The Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury matchup on Monday night featured no shortage of star power, but it didn't take long for one of the WNBA's most accomplished veterans to make history.

Just minutes into the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Phoenix forward Alyssa Thomas added another milestone to what has already become one of the most decorated careers in league history.

Thomas entered the contest needing just one steal to move up the WNBA's all-time leaderboard. She wasted little time accomplishing that feat, recording her first steal of the evening and officially passing WNBA legend Taj McWilliams-Franklin for sole possession of 13th place on the league's career steals list.

The WNBA quickly acknowledged the achievement on social media as Thomas continued adding to an already remarkable resume.

Alyssa Thomas Continues To Climb The Record Books

The league announced the milestone during the game.

"With her first steal of the game, Alyssa Thomas passed Taj McWilliams-Franklin for 13th on the all-time steals list."

It's just the latest accomplishment for a player who has built a reputation as one of the most versatile and complete stars the WNBA has ever seen.

Known throughout the basketball world as "The Engine," Thomas has become one of the league's most unique players during her 12-year professional career. The former Maryland standout entered Monday averaging 13.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game for the Mercury while continuing to impact every aspect of the game.

Her ability to fill the stat sheet has become legendary.

A Career Unlike Any Other

Thomas already owns one of the most unique records in league history.

She is the WNBA's all-time leader in career triple-doubles and has redefined what a point-forward can be at the professional level. Throughout her career with the Connecticut Sun and now the Mercury, Thomas has consistently ranked among the league's elite playmakers despite playing primarily in the frontcourt.

The six-time WNBA All-Star also captured the league's assists title in 2025 and has earned three All-WNBA First Team selections over the last three seasons.

Her defensive impact has been just as impressive.

Thomas was the WNBA steals leader in 2020 and has earned seven All-Defensive Team selections during her career, helping establish herself as one of the league's most complete two-way players.

Mercury Veteran Still Making An Impact

At 34 years old, Thomas continues to perform at an elite level.

Entering Monday's game against Indiana, she had recorded at least nine assists in five consecutive contests and remained one of the primary engines behind Phoenix's offense.

The milestone steal against the Fever served as another reminder that Thomas continues to add to a Hall of Fame-caliber career.

With every game, she moves closer to even more history, and Monday night's achievement was simply the latest chapter in a career filled with record-setting moments.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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