Sat Jul 12 17:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Thomas Throws Wrench in Collier’s MVP Plans with Dominant Performance
**Phoenix, Arizona** – Napheesa Collier has been the frontrunner for the 2025 WNBA MVP award, but a recent performance by Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas has thrown the race wide open. While Collier leads the league in scoring and her Minnesota Lynx boast the best record at 17-3, Thomas’s impactful play, particularly in a recent victory over the Lynx, has made a strong statement.
In the Mercury’s 79-71 win, Thomas carried her short-handed team, missing key players Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper, to victory with a stellar performance of 29 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Her efficient scoring, without relying on three-pointers or frequent trips to the free-throw line, highlighted her dominance.
While Collier had a solid game with 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks, it paled in comparison to Thomas’s impact. This marked the first head-to-head matchup of the season between the two MVP contenders, with Thomas emerging victorious.
Despite battling an early-season injury, Thomas has consistently delivered impressive performances, showcasing her playmaking and rebounding prowess. She has already recorded three games with double-digit rebounds and seven games with double-digit assists, including three with 15 assists.
While other players like A’ja Wilson and Allisha Gray are also in the MVP conversation, and fans continue to push for Caitlin Clark’s inclusion, Alyssa Thomas’s recent performance and overall consistency have firmly established her as Collier’s biggest challenger for the coveted award. Her omission from the All-Star starter pool was considered a snub, further highlighting her underappreciated value. Only time will tell if she can unseat Collier as MVP favorite.
First Piper 