The Phoenix Mercury lost to the Atlanta Dream on Saturday, 99-89. Making matters worse, Alyssa Thomas got in trouble with the referees during the game.
Thomas had a historic game for Phoenix, finishing with a triple-double of 11 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists. It was her third triple-double of the season and 22nd of her career, the most in league history.
Kahleah Copper added a game-high 38 points for Phoenix, while DeWanna Bonner had 12 points and nine boards.
However, their efforts were not enough to take down a Dream team that saw Angel Reese record a career-high 31 points along with 14 rebounds, two assists and four steals. Three others scored in double figures for Atlanta, with Rhyne Howard chipping in 20 points.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Alyssa Thomas Facing WNBA Punishment
As if losing wasn’t enough, Thomas was assessed her sixth technical foul of the season early in the third quarter of the game.
Howard fouled Thomas while she was attacking the basket, resulting in an and-1 play. The Mercury star, nonetheless, said something to the referee following the whistle, prompting the technical foul call.
According to the WNBA’s rules, a player’s fourth through seventh technical fouls each carry a $1,000 fine. Once a player reaches eight techs, they receive a $1,500 fine and a one-game suspension.
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Mercury Eliminated From Playoff Contention
In a double whammy for Thomas and the Mercury, their loss to the Dream eliminated them from playoff contention. They dropped to 13-24 on the season, putting them eight games behind the No. 8 Dallas Wings. The team only has seven games left in the season.
It’s the first time since 2023 that the Mercury have missed the postseason. Furthermore, they are the first team since the 2008 Phoenix squad to miss the playoffs after making it all the way to the WNBA Finals the year before, per reporter Aya Abdeen.
