In basketball, there are moments when the past meets the present, reminding us that experience still holds immense value. It’s when a seasoned player steps onto the court and proves they’ve still got it that we truly take notice. Such a moment recently unfolded in the new Unrivaled League. Five-time All-Star player Alyssa Thomas delivered a performance that left everyone, including her teammate, in awe. The highlight of the night? A monstrous 12-point, 15-rebound performance which helped the Laces dominate Breanna Stewart and the Mist, 63-43.

The “30-year-old grandma“(as dubbed by Angel Reese) Kahleah Copper, unable to hold back her admiration for Thomas, took to X (formerly Twitter), posting, “AT so tough man. Whew.” Her post perfectly captured the essence of the night, where Thomas’ dominance seemed effortless—a true testament to her ability to outwit and outlast even the league’s brightest stars.

The Unrivaled League, a new 3-on-3 full-court women’s basketball competition, has already delivered its share of unforgettable moments in just its first weekend. With eight weeks still left to unfold, the competition has provided WNBA players with a platform to push boundaries and redefine their limits.

For Thomas, it’s just another day at the office. Despite facing a stacked Mist roster featuring Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd, Thomas controlled the game on both ends of the court. Her 15 rebounds, including 13 on defense, effectively neutralized the Mist’s scoring opportunities.

While Stewart and the Mist struggled to find their footing, Thomas seemed to glide effortlessly, dominating the game as only a seasoned veteran can.

Thomas dominates, Stewart struggles: Laces outshine the Mist in an early showdown

Breanna Stewart, a two-time WNBA MVP, had her moments, tallying 17 points and 12 rebounds. But Thomas, with her grit and savvy, overshadowed Stewart’s efforts, leaving fans—and her peers—speechless. The Mist, struggling offensively with a dismal 31.6% shooting from the field, couldn’t keep up with the Laces’ fluid play and Thomas’ imposing presence.

Kayla McBride added fuel to the fire for the Laces, pouring in 21 points, while Tiffany Hayes chipped in 16. Their contributions, combined with Thomas’ commanding performance, solidified the Laces as early frontrunners in the league.

Though Stewart tried to keep her team in the game with 17 points, her effort came at the cost of 7 made shots on 21 attempts. The Mist’s offense was hindered by inefficient performances from most of its players. Jewell Loyd was a bright spot, contributing 10 points, but Courtney Vandersloot struggled with just 3-16 shooting, while DiJonai Carrington faced a tough 1-13 outing. With these struggles, the Mist had a difficult time finding any rhythm on the court.

As for Copper, the playful banter may continue, but watching Alyssa Thomas dominate on the court is no joke. “Grandma” or not, Copper understands that in basketball, where every rebound, assist, and point counts, age is just a number—and the game is far from over.