Alyssa Thomas’ triple-double helps Phoenix Mercury finish first half on high note

Heading to Los Angeles for the final game before the break, the Mercury looked to build upon Sunday’s win against the Connecticut Sun. They did just that, taking an 86-82 win over the Sparks and carrying their momentum into the break.

The win was capped off by Alyssa Thomas’ triple-double — the first of the season — as she finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 15 assists. The veteran forward once again showed the all-around impact that has helped stabilize Phoenix throughout the season.

Jul 22, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) is fouled by Los Angeles Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) as she drives to the basket during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Wednesday’s noon matchup not only moved the Mercury into double-digit wins for the season, but it also allowed them to avoid treating the break as a reset. Instead, they can carry the momentum into the final stretch of the year. Phoenix has been looking for stability and a way to close out tight games against tough opponents, and that’s what they did against Los Angeles.

“Great, really good,” head coach Nate Tibbetts said when asked how the overall win felt. “Really, really good heading into this break to give us some confidence… I’m really proud of the group. These are tough games. The last game before the All-Star break, it’s a noon game. I thought our energy was really good to start the game.”

Jul 22, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) is fouled by Los Angeles Sparks guard Erica Wheeler (17) as she drives to the basket during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Phoenix had three other players score in double figures alongside Thomas, with Kahleah Copper leading the way with 21 points, Monique Akoa Makani adding 14 points and Natasha Mack contributing 10.

The Mercury moved the ball efficiently, defended with energy and received contributions throughout the rotation, giving themselves confidence heading into the break. But one thing they remain focused on is themselves and continuing to write their own story this season.

Jul 22, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) reacts after a 3-point basket during the second half against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

After what has been a different season compared to where they were one year ago, Phoenix still has a chance to make a push toward the postseason. One reporter even asked Copper about the Las Vegas Aces’ championship run last season and whether the Mercury could follow a similar path.

“We’re just thinking about us,” she said. “We know we’re fighting for something, and we want to continue to just grow and just build on every game. We just talked about it before, when we come back, just having that mindset and just being ready to lock in… go on a run.”

20 REGULAR SEASON TRIPLE-DOUBLES. THE NEXT CLOSEST PLAYER ONLY HAS 4 🤯 pic.twitter.com/D1ZRjDjoR6

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) July 23, 2026

Now, rather than returning from the break hoping to rediscover their rhythm, Phoenix will look to pick up where it left off, carrying that confidence into the second half as it continues to build toward a postseason push.