The first game in Unrivaled history featured Skylar Diggins-Smith making the decisive shot — even though her team was already in the lead.
That aspect is one of the many differences between the 3-on-3 women’s league and traditional 5-on-5 play.
There was a swift pace to both games played during Friday night’s unveiling of Unrivaled in Miami. The court is 72 feet long instead of the usual 94 feet and the shot clock of 18 seconds also sped up play.
Diggins-Smith’s 3-pointer gave the Lunar Owls an 84-80 victory over the Mist in the first contest. That game featured co-founders Napheesa Collier (Lunar Owls) and Breanna Stewart (Mist), who happen to be two of the WNBA’s top players.
The Vinyl beat the Rose 79-73 in the other game with Dearica Hamby’s layup ending the game.
The game consisted of three seven-minute quarters and then an untimed fourth quarter. In the fourth, teams shoot to reach a target winning score. The target is set 11 points higher than the leading team’s output after three periods.
Also, if you’re fouled while shooting, you take one free throw worth two points.
Hard to tell if it will prove to be anything more than a novelty — instant box office Caitlin Clark isn’t playing in the league — but it’s a worthy experiment at first watch.
The league also gives WNBA players an alternative in the offseason. No need to go play in Turkey, Greece or Russia, especially after Brittney Griner’s ordeal and prison sentence in Russia.
Some of the investors include former NBA stars like Steve Nash and Carmelo Anthony, current NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, men’s swimming legend Michael Phelps, women’s soccer icon Alex Morgan and tennis legends old (Billie Jean King) and new (Coco Gauff).
“You can’t hide in 3-on-3 full court so it’s fascinating to see all these matchups,” said Nash, the former stellar point guard, during the TNT broadcast. “There are things in 3-on-3 that you don’t see in 5-on-5 so it’s incredible for all their development.”
The games are played at Wayfair Arena, an 850-seat facility built specifically for this venture.
Diggins-Smith scored 21 points for the Owls but Collier had the biggest impact with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Jewell Loyd poured in 30 points for the Mist while Stewart had just six points but collected 14 rebounds.
Loyd and Stewart were joined by Courtney Vandersloot as Mist starters. DiJonai Carrington, Aaliyah Edwards and Rickea Jackson were the reserves.
The starters for the Lunar Owls were Collier, Diggins-Smith and Allisha Gray. The reserves were Courtney Williams and Shakira Austin. Also on the roster is Cameron Brink, who is inactive this season due to a left ACL injury sustained during the 2024 WNBA season.
Rhyne Howard made six 3-pointers and scored 33 points during the Vinyl’s victory. Hamby added 17 points and 13 rebounds.
“I approach every game like I’m the best player on the court,” Howard said. “I think I showed that today.”
Kahleah Copper had 24 points and Chelsea Gray added 21 for the Rose.
The starters for the Vinyl were Arike Ogunbowale, Howard and Hamby. The reserves were Aliyah Boston, Rae Burrell and Jordin Canada.
Chelsea Gray, Copper and Angel Reese started for the Rose with Lexie Hull, Azura Stevens and Brittney Sykes making up the bench.
“There’s not really a time where you take a possession off, because there’s only three players on the floor,” Chelsea Gray said of the swift pace. “You have to be in shape for sure to play this game.”
With one night in the books, we watch to see if the first-night momentum continues and if the television ratings show a vested interest.
But one thing won’t change — the game will always conclude with someone scoring.
Diggins-Smith had the debut honors by nailing a straightaway trey over Carrington. A few minutes later, she ended a television interview by making Owl noises.
“We showed a lot of resilience,” Diggins-Smith said. “I’m happy to get the first win in Unrivaled history.”
–Field Level Media
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