Sug Sutton’s WNBA career got off to an inauspicious start.

After a four-year college career at Texas, during which she averaged 8.4 points per game, Sutton was selected with the 36th overall – and final – pick of the 2020 WNBA Draft. She has bounced around the league ever since.

On Friday, though, Sutton, now on the Phoenix Mercury, shone like never before.

The guard recorded the first triple-double in Mercury history, posting 18 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Phoenix lost to the Las Vegas Aces, 94-73, but Sutton’s performance provided a bright spot in a disappointing campaign for the franchise.

“What a special performance and a special opportunity for a special young lady – someone who hasn’t gotten a shot in the league,” Mercury head coach Nikki Blue told reporters.

“She had a shot in Washington once, but jumped from team to team and has finally got her opportunity. We knew from training camp how special of a player Sug was. It’s taken all season for her to really start believing in herself and showing what she can do, and for her to come out and get a triple-double is extremely special.”

Sutton, who is averaging 8.1 points, 4.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game, became the first player drafted after the first round to record a triple-double in WNBA history.

The Mercury wrap up the regular season Sunday on the road against the Aces.

“We didn’t have a really good season, but there are still positives that came out of it,” Sutton told reporters. “We still had really great fans. We still had that bond within the team. I think we grew a really great relationship with each other regardless of the year, regardless of our record. I am just taking in everything with this last home game.”