Sports

Alyssa Thomas Laughs At Vicious Elbow To Face That Left Caitlin Clark’s Teammate With A Bloody Nose

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Alyssa Thomas Lexie Hull Elbow Nose Face Cheap Shot Reaction Laugh
Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Alyssa Thomas is involved in yet another WNBA controversy. The same player who punched Caitlin Clark in the throat nearly broke the nose of her teammate, Lexie Hull, with a rogue elbow to the face.

Was it a basketball play?

Although Thomas’ contact did not seem intentional, her reaction does not help with the optics. One of the biggest villains in the WNBA can add yet another incident to her resume.

Alyssa Thomas is already under fire for her treatment of Caitlin Clark.

Thomas, a longtime member of the Connecticut Sun, was traded to the Phoenix Mercury prior to the 2025 season. The former No. 4 overall pick is a six-time All-Star and one of the best defensive players in the league.

However, she is often labeled as a “cheap shot artist” who plays with reckless abandon.

The WNBA issued a one-game suspension to Alyssa Thomas at the end of June for punching Caitlin Clark in the throat. It became a divisive topic amongst players (both past and present), fans and analysts alike. Chiney Ogwumike was not a fan of the punishment. Nor was Mercury head coach Nate Tibbets.

As you could imagine, the throat punch became the biggest story in women’s basketball. It got political. Thomas even received death threats. Clark had to disavow the hate and harrassment.

A league that so badly wants to focus on basketball is often forced to deal with these kinds of controversies. If we’re being honest, it is great for the WNBA. All publicity is good publicity. Right?

Unfortunately, it continues to happen. And the players do not show much remorse.

Lexie Thomas took an elbow to the face.

The latest incident took place on Thursday night. It once again involved Thomas, the Mercury and the Fever.

Lexie Hall moved aggressively into Alyssa Thomas’ space as a defender. Thomas went up with the ball in a normal basketball move during the shooting process. Her elbow caught Hall in the face.

There is an argument to be made that it was a cheap shot. Thomas did not need to throw her elbow into Hall’s face. But it happens. Basketball is a physical game. It was a bang-bang play and Hall was called for a foul.

Unfortunately, Thomas did not show remorse for the accidental contact. She laughed at the free throw line while Hall received medical attention.

Regardless of whether it is intentional or not, it is not a great look. Especially considering what just happened with Clark.