Mercury vet threatens Napheesa Collier's bid for MVP

Napheesa Collier might be launching a major bid to be named MVP this WNBA season, but she isn't the only one — Phoenix Mercury vet Alyssa Thomas put in a performance against the New York Liberty last night that should make everyone sit up and take notice.

More: Mercury's Alyssa Thomas just put up stats WNBA history had never seen before

Thomas put in 18 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists to help the Mercury defeat the Liberty, handing the defending champions their first loss at home this season. She was helped by rookie Monique Akoa Makani, who racked up a season-high 21 points.

Thomas, who was traded to the Mercury as part of a huge four-team trade earlier this year, has had a very fun, very successful season with the team so far. In fact, absolutely no one should be surprised if the MVP race comes down to Thomas and Collier later this year.

There's still a lot of basketball left to play between now and then, but one thing is for certain: if Thomas keeps playing the way she has been, the entire WNBA will be on its feet for her.