Alyssa Thomas recorded the first triple-double in WNBA Finals history, leading the Connecticut Sun to a 105-76 win over the Las Vegas Aces to avoid the sweep and stave off elimination. The Aces lead the series 2-1.
Thomas had 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists. She also collected two steals and a block.
Thomas wasn’t alone in the Sun’s effort. The 2021 WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones had a team-high 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting.
Jackie Young led the Aces with a game-high 22 points, and the recently named WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson added 19 points in a losing effort.
The Sun shot an impressive 53.3% from the field. Connecticut used a 19-2 run in the final 3:48 of the first quarter to take a 34-19 lead.
The Aces closed the gap by the end of the third quarter at 77-69. But, the Sun outscored the Aces 28-7 in the fourth quarter to close the deal.
Alyssa Thomas starred at the University of Maryland, winning ACC players of the year three consecutive years from 2012 to 2014. She is the Terrapins’ all-time leader in points with 2,356, rebounds with 1,235, and double-doubles with 90.
Thomas is in her ninth season in the WNBA, all with the Sun. She had two triple-doubles this season, becoming the fifth player in league history with multiple triple-doubles.
Game 4 will be Sunday afternoon. The Sun will hope to force a winner-takes-all Game 5.
