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Jun 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) shields the ball from Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

'I’ve Been So Disrespected': Alyssa Thomas Gets Real Entering WNBA All-Star Game As Reserve Again

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 11:15 AM ET

“I think I’ve been so disrespected in my career that it doesn’t matter to me anymore,” Alyssa Thomas said when asked about being named a reserve yet again for the WNBA All-Star Game.

Alyssa Thomas has been one of the most reliable two-way forces in the league for years. She’s putting up numbers that would easily place her in any MVP conversation, but somehow, All-Star starting nods continue to escape her. While others flash with one hot month, Alyssa Thomas quietly carries the Connecticut Sun with consistency, toughness, and leadership.

“Anytime here… an All-Star is just a huge honor… a lot of great players in the league. So to be along this long and then to be my sixth… just truly honored.”

Alyssa Thomas has never been the flashy type, and that may be part of why she’s often left out of the hype.

She’s one of the stars keeping the Sun in orbit. She plays end-to-end like an engine always in the redline and has even pushed through pain when it needs be.

Her game isn’t always the highlight reel, but it’s the blueprint for winning basketball. If being “just a reserve” fuels her even more, then the rest of the league should probably be worried.

Alyssa Thomas will be ballin’ with something to prove.

Alyssa Thomas Drawing Attention That Frees Up Mercury Offense

Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) smiles after a layup against Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) during the fourth quarter at PHX Arena Jun 29, 2025.

“All eyes are on AT all the time, so any action that she’s a part of is going to help our offense,” said Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld. “With the defense always being purely focused on her, it just opens up everything for our whole offense.”

Alyssa Thomas didn’t need long to settle in with the Phoenix Mercury. The veteran forward has brought her signature court vision, physicality, and leadership into a system that now looks more organized and more dangerous than it did early in the season. Her presence has re-energized the Mercury, and the numbers back it up.

Alyssa Thomas has been their scoring, playmaking machine doubling as a towering wall over their defensive game. They know full well that her touch can change the complexion of a game, a real game changer. Phoenix is certainly reaping the rewards.

Jul 7, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) looks to pass around Dallas Wings forward Myisha Hines-Allen (2) in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

It’s the kind of impact that goes beyond the scoreboard. Alyssa Thomas may not always be the one finishing the play, but her fingerprints are all over the Mercury’s midseason turnaround. And with her playing this way, Phoenix is starting to look like real contenders.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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