Alyssa Thomas

Described by their head coach as being a “team of perfectionists,” the Connecticut Sun, even after producing one of WNBA history’s greatest starts, spoke openly about the need to string together 40 minutes of complete basketball. Until that day arrived, the at-the-time 7-0 Sun would simply have to settle for something just as remarkable: Alyssa Thomas’ do-it-all approach. A common name over the stadium’s loudspeakers for her late-game offensive contributions, Thomas focuses on an outcome-deciding defensive stop with Connecticut ahead by one in the final 20 seconds. Diagnosing Kalani Brown’s slip screen before the Dallas Wings’ center even reaches the paint, Thomas soars into help position, meeting her at the summit for a heroic swat. The 2023 WNBA Most Valuable Player runner-up lived up to her reputation on May 31, 2024, registering 15 points — including Connecticut’s final two field goals — nine rebounds, 14 assists, two steals, and one block. Everything and everywhere, Thomas helped Connecticut overcome Dallas’ comeback charge, maintaining their undefeated streak for yet another week.