PHOENIX– Amid Alyssa Thomas's battle for MVP , the Phoenix Mercury star has her team and the city behind her. One of those people is Phoenix head coach Nate Tibbetts.

Although he's been a major advocate ever since Thomas was traded to the Mercury, he added more fuel to her campaign. The former NBA assistant compared her to someone special . Expand Tweet

“I was lucky enough to be around Damian Lillard for 8 years,” Tibbetts said pregame. “As far as like daily leadership and stuff like that, Dame is as good as it gets.

“From a competitive standpoint, wanting to win and everything, AT is on a level by herself.”

Winning plays are what Thomas has brought to Phoenix. Her competitive drive and defensive tenacity have been the team's bread and butter.

They've improved in nearly every s

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