History was made on Friday night as the Unrivaled women’s 3-on-3 basketball league debuted with a thrilling pair of games featuring WNBA superstars. In the opening contest, Skylar Diggins-Smith nailed a game-winning three-pointer to give the Lunar Owls an 84-80 victory over the Mist. The fast-paced format, condensed court, and unique rules generated electric action from start to finish.
New Rules, New Thrills
The Unrivaled league introduces some intriguing wrinkles to the traditional game of basketball:
- Shortened court: The 72-foot court quickens the action compared to the standard 94 feet
- 18-second shot clock: Fewer seconds to shoot means more possessions and higher scores
- Target score fourth quarter: The untimed final period ends when a team reaches a target score 11 points higher than the leader’s total after three quarters
- Single free throw fouls: Shooting fouls result in one shot worth two points, streamlining trips to the line
These innovations make for a dynamic viewing experience that highlights individual matchups and leaves little margin for error. As former NBA MVP Steve Nash noted on the TNT broadcast, “You can’t hide in 3-on-3 full court so it’s fascinating to see all these matchups.”
Headliners Shine Bright
The star power was on full display as many of the WNBA’s elite laced them up for Unrivaled’s big unveiling. In the opener, Napheesa Collier dominated with 27 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Lunar Owls. Her co-captain Skylar Diggins-Smith iced the game with 21 points, punctuated by her final triple.
“We showed a lot of resilience. I’m happy to get the first win in Unrivaled history.”
– Skylar Diggins-Smith
On the other side, Jewell Loyd poured in 30 points in a losing effort for the Mist. Her Seattle Storm teammate Breanna Stewart, another league co-founder, struggled with just 6 points but did corral 14 rebounds. Point guard Courtney Vandersloot rounded out a potent Mist starting lineup.
In the nightcap, 2022 WNBA Rookie of the Year Rhyne Howard announced her presence with 33 points, leading the Vinyl over the Rose behind 6 triples. Dearica Hamby contributed a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double, and her layup clinched the win.
“I approach every game like I’m the best player on the court. I think I showed that today.”
– Rhyne Howard
2021 WNBA Finals MVP Kahleah Copper countered with 24 points for the Rose, while point guard Chelsea Gray added 21 in the 79-73 defeat. No. 1 overall draft pick Angel Reese also started for the Rose in her professional debut.
An Electrifying Alternative
Beyond the impressive on-court product, the Unrivaled league serves as a welcome addition to the women’s sports landscape. Most vitally, it provides WNBA players a viable alternative to spending their offseasons competing overseas, an imperative underscored by Brittney Griner’s harrowing detainment in Russia.
“There’s not really a time where you take a possession off, because there’s only three players on the floor. You have to be in shape for sure to play this game.”
– Chelsea Gray on Unrivaled’s pace and intensity
Unrivaled also boasts an impressive roster of investors, including NBA icons like Carmelo Anthony and Giannis Antetokounmpo, tennis trailblazers Billie Jean King and Coco Gauff, and soccer star Alex Morgan. Games are staged at Wayfair Arena, a bespoke 850-seat venue specifically constructed for the league.
After such an exhilarating debut, the Unrivaled league appears poised to transform the future of women’s basketball. By empowering WNBA talent, implementing fan-friendly innovations, and attracting a new generation of supporters, it may ultimately prove as revolutionary as it is riveting.
