Alyssa Thomas, the Phoenix Mercury’s All-Star forward and 2025 near-MVP candidate, is poised for a dominant rebounding performance in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series against the New York Liberty tonight (September 19, 2025, at PHX Arena). After Phoenix’s commanding 86-60 Game 2 victory evened the series, the stakes are sky-high, and Thomas’s elite rebounding ability, historical dominance over New York, and clutch playoff mentality make her a lock to surpass 9.5 rebounds.
Thomas obliterated the Mercury’s single-season rebounding record in 2025, hauling in 344 boards (64 offensive) over 39 games, averaging 8.8 RPG—third in the WNBA behind only A’ja Wilson and Angel Reese. A true two-way force, she led all forwards with 5.6 defensive rebounds per game and ranked 15th league-wide with 2.0 offensive rebounds, fueling second-chance points. Down the stretch, she elevated her game, averaging 9.2 RPG over her final 10 regular-season contests, hitting double-digit boards in six while logging 31+ minutes. In the playoffs, Thomas is even fiercer, boasting a career 8.5 RPG with multiple 15+ rebound performances.
Against the Liberty, Thomas is a matchup nightmare, especially in Phoenix. Across four regular-season games this year (3-1 Mercury), she averaged an eye-popping 20.3 combined rebounds and assists, clearing 18+ in three matchups. Her relentless energy and physicality overwhelm New York’s frontcourt.
With Game 3 an elimination showdown, Thomas’s clutch gene kicks into overdrive. In her last three winner-take-all playoff games, she’s averaged 9.9 RPG, including a 15-rebound triple-double against the Liberty in the 2023 semifinals. Coach Nate Tibbetts trusts her in high-pressure moments, often playing her 35+ minutes, where she’s a rebounding juggernaut—grabbing 10+ boards in 60% of games with 34+ minutes this season.
Thomas doesn’t just rebound; she dominates the glass with unmatched intensity. Expect her to feast tonight.
Take Alyssa Thomas To Record Over 9.5 Rebounds (-115)
Let’s cash some tickets!
