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Mercury Head Coach Said WNBA Rookie 'Did Something' to Wake Alyssa Thomas Up

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 26, 2025 12:18 AM ET

The Phoenix Mercury hosted the Washington Mystics on Sunday and had a narrow 68-62 win to secure a 3-1 record for the 2025 WNBA season. Both teams were aggressive on the defensive end, resulting in a low-scoring contest. Even Mercury stars Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally didn't have a significant scoring night.

Sabally and Thomas struggled on the floor and combined for 23 points. They were led by their rookie, Monique Akoa Makani, who had 13 points. Akoa Makani also had a crucial shot from downtown late in the fourth quarter that helped them increase their lead.

Following the game, Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts had high praise for his players for winning the game. Also, Tibbetts said that Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen "did something" that woke five-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas up. He referred to the defensive tenacity that Thomas displayed near the end of the game.

"Kiki, she did something to AT (Alyssa Thomas) to wake her up Sunday afternoon," Tibbetts said.

When it was Thomas' turn at the presser, the media brought up what her coach said about her performance. However, the three-time All-WNBA played it cool.

"I'm always awake, I'm always ready to play."

Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen did something to Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas to wake her up.

Thomas’ response? “I’m always awake.”#WNBA pic.twitter.com/ogKxlmIiEz
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) May 26, 2025

During her interview with the media, Thomas also said that the team felt tired coming into the game. Fortunately for the Mercury, the sellout crowd at PHX Arena gave them energy in the final quarter.

"Just feeling that energy... we didn't have as much energy, we were kinda tired today. Having them screaming behind us really fueled us down the stretch," the veteran star said.

Before their game against the Mystics, the team suffered a 77-70 defeat against the Seattle Storm. Fortunately, they bounced back and protected their home arena. Thomas and the Mercury look to continue their winning momentum on Tuesday as they face Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky.

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

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