Alyssa Thomas Breaks WNBA Single-Season Assist Record

Alyssa Thomas reclaimed the WNBA single-season assist record on March 15, 2024, achieving a remarkable feat during a game against the Connecticut Sun. The 33-year-old surpassed Caitlin Clark’s previous record of 337 assists set just last season. Thomas entered the game needing six assists to break the record and secured her historic assist with a three-pointer from Kathryn Westbeld in the second quarter.

This accomplishment marks a significant milestone in Thomas’s career. Previously, she held the single-season assist record in 2023 with 316 assists while playing for Connecticut. In a remarkable twist, Clark, a rookie at the time, eclipsed Thomas’s record the following season. Now, with this latest achievement, Thomas re-establishes herself as a dominant playmaker in the league, having reclaimed the title in just 37 games this season.

Thomas’s Unique Role and Career Achievements

The impressive aspect of Thomas’s record is her position on the court. Known as a point-forward, she has successfully facilitated the offense for the Phoenix Mercury throughout the season. Many of her assists have come from beyond the arc, with nearly half of her assists resulting in three-point shots. This season, Thomas has averaged a career-best 9.2 assists per game, although she remains short of Courtney Vandersloot’s record of 9.95 assists per game established in 2020.

In addition to her assist record, Thomas is also recognized for holding the WNBA record for the most triple-doubles in both a season and a career. With over 1,800 assists to her name, she sits seventh on the league’s all-time assist list, making her the only forward among the top ten playmakers. This versatility has allowed her to excel in a position that typically does not produce such high assist totals.

Thomas’s performance has not only captured attention for her statistical achievements but has also highlighted her significant impact on the game. Her ability to orchestrate plays effectively has made her a vital asset to her team and a standout player in the league. As she continues to break records, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate what the remainder of the season holds for Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury.