AllNBA  

16 se

The Unrivaled league debuted with thrilling games featuring Skylar Diggins-Smith and Rhyne Howard`s standout performances.

The Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, kicked off in Miami on January 18, 2025, with electrifying inaugural games. The league`s unique format, featuring an untimed fourth quarter where teams aim to reach a score 11 points higher than the leading team at the end of the third quarter, set the stage for thrilling competition.

In the opening match, Skylar Diggins-Smith of Lunar Owls BC delivered a dramatic finish, sinking a walk-off 3-pointer to clinch an 84-80 comeback victory over Mist BC. Diggins-Smith led her team with 21 points, showcasing resilience as the Lunar Owls played with only five players, marking a strong start to their season.

The night continued with Rhyne Howard of Vinyl BC dominating the court, scoring 33 points and securing six rebounds in a 79-73 victory against Rose BC. Howard`s performance underscored the impact of guards in this new league, as she hit six 3-pointers and propelled her team to a commanding lead in the third quarter. Other standout players included Jewell Loyd with 30 points, Napheesa Collier contributing 27 points, Kahleah Copper with 24 points, and Chelsea Gray adding 21 points.

The competition is set to continue with more exciting matchups, including Phantom BC facing Laces BC and Lunar Owls BC taking on Rose BC. Notably, Satou Sabally is poised to make her Unrivaled debut against Laces BC, amid ongoing recruitment efforts from various WNBA teams, including a direct pitch from Breanna Stewart to join the New York Liberty, where her sister Nyara plays.

#WNBA,#Unrivaled,#BreannaStewart,#SkylarDiggins,#3on3Basketball