Six-Time WNBA All-Star’s Seventh Triple-Double Redefines Greatness in the WNBA
Through her seventh triple-double, Alyssa Thomas has made her previously rare stat line into her trademark and, in the process, redefined the meaning of dominance in women's basketball. Alyssa Thomas made history on Tuesday, August 26th, as she recorded her seventh triple-double of the season. Thomas posted 12 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists. She secured her 18th career triple-double with 2:50 remaining in the fourth quarter, surpassing her previous record and reaffirming her dominance on the court. What was once a statistical rarity now appears to be routine to Thomas. Other highlight moments reflect this historic pattern, such as A'ja Wilson's record-breaking night, which stands as a bittersweet reminder of just how special such achievements truly are in the league.
Triple-doubles in the WNBA were few and far between, something unheard of. Though legends such as Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Candace Parker attained them, it was hardly with regularity. Before Thomas' historic streak, one triple-double in a season was cause for celebration. The game that Thomas plays is not based on scoring and spectacle only. Though she stands at six-foot-two, she doesn't merely lean on size. Rather, it's her energy, sharp vision, and uncanny versatility that make her so dominant. She rebounds at an elite level, pushes the pace, finds open teammates, and guards multiple positions, frequently within the same possession. Her triple-doubles don't feel like milestones chased so much as the natural byproduct of a player who dominates every aspect of the game.
Such a far-reaching impact recalls the abilities of rising stars such as Veronica Burton, whose own versatility is recalibrating the league's expectations. Her record also shows how the league is moving towards a more dynamic and versatile type of play. Greater speed, more emphasis on transition play, and the expansion of positionless basketball have created an environment in which well-rounded players thrive. Much like Oscar Robertson became the face of versatility in the NBA, Thomas is accomplishing the same in the WNBA. A four-time all-star and perennial MVP contender already, Thomas' triple-double streak adds another layer to her legend. She's not merely stuffing stat sheets; she's changing the conversation around what women's basketball greatness looks like, similar to other upcoming stars that are making some big impacts in the league, such as Paige Bueckers.
With the playoffs coming up, Thomas's capacity to take over every phase of the game may well be the decider. Whatever the future holds, her seventh triple-double has established her in WNBA history. In a league founded upon the accomplishments of trailblazers, Alyssa Thomas is forging her own unique trail. One marked by consistency and record-breaking versatility, her record-breaking season is hard to ignore as the MVP discussions gain more and more momentum.
