The Unrivaled 3-on-3 women’s basketball league burst back onto the scene for an electrifying Day 2, following up its hugely successful debut with more thrilling games showcasing the immense talent of WNBA stars. With modified rules designed to create a fast-paced, playground-style environment, the league is already winning over fans with its unique blend of elite skill and pure entertainment value.
Lunar Owls Stage Stunning Comeback Over Mist
The day opened with a rematch between Napheesa Collier’s Lunar Owls and Breanna Stewart’s Mist. The Owls, still riding high from their opening night victory, found themselves in an early hole as the Mist came out firing. But Collier refused to let her team go quietly, rallying the Owls with a barrage of crafty drives and dishes to her sharpshooting teammate Skylar Diggins-Smith.
Diggins-Smith put on a show in crunch time, draining back-to-back threes to seal a thrilling come-from-behind win for the Lunar Owls. Her clutch gene was on full display and had the crowd on its feet as she celebrated with Collier after the final horn.
“This is what Unrivaled is all about – leaving it all on the court, playing with heart, and having fun out there with your sisters,”
– Napheesa Collier on the Lunar Owls’ comeback win
Vinyl Edges Out Rose in Battle of Rising Stars
Game 2 featured a showdown between two of the WNBA’s brightest young stars in Arike Ogunbowale of Vinyl and Angel Reese of Rose. Both phenoms brought their A-games, trading flashy handles and silky jumpers in a back-and-forth affair.
In the end, it was Ogunbowale’s veteran savvy that made the difference, as she consistently created space with her lightning-quick first step and delivered pinpoint passes to cutting teammates for easy buckets. Reese showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t quite match Ogunbowale’s poise down the stretch.
Unrivaled Rules Fuel Fast-Paced, Entertaining Games
The Unrivaled league’s modified ruleset, which includes a 12-second shot clock and a 4-point “money ball,” continued to push the pace and generate excitement. The shorter shot clock creates more possessions and rewards quick decision-making, while the 4-pointer adds an element of risk vs. reward strategy.
- 12-second shot clock speeds up the action
- 4-point money ball introduces strategic wrinkle
- 1s and 2s scoring places premium on paint touches
The result is a product that feels more like the intense, high-energy pickup games that honed these players’ skills on the playgrounds than a typical pro game bogged down by stoppages. For the elite hoopers of the WNBA, it’s a refreshing change of pace and chance to showcase their full repertoire of moves.
“You’ve got to make reads quicker and really be on your toes out there. It’s a different challenge but that’s what makes it so fun.”
– Arike Ogunbowale on adjusting to Unrivaled’s pace
Fans Embrace Unrivaled’s Unique Energy
While some questioned whether Unrivaled’s unconventional format would connect with fans, the early returns suggest the league is tapping into an unmet appetite for an accessible yet elite women’s basketball product. The intimate, up-close setting and relatable playground vibe are drawing praise from diehards and casual fans alike.
Unrivaled games have the feel of an intense pickup run, with the best women’s players on the planet trading buckets and jaw-dropping moves. The love of the game is palpable and players’ personalities shine through, fostering a genuine connection with the crowd.
“This is how we grew up playing – talking trash, hyping up our teammates, putting on a show. To do it on this stage with these women is something special.”
– Angel Reese on the playground atmosphere
With two days in the books, Unrivaled has already delivered on its promise of a one-of-a-kind basketball experience. As the league’s stars continue to captivate with their skill and competitiveness, the buzz around this ambitious venture will only grow. If the early action is any indication, Unrivaled may be shifting the landscape of women’s hoops for years to come.
