Sweet Baby Rae's Unrivaled Game: A Triumph for Vinyl
In a thrilling turn of events, the WNBA's Unrivaled 3x3 tournament witnessed a stunning upset as Vinyl snapped their three-game losing streak, defeating Laces with a final score of 70-63. The game's outcome was far from predictable, as it was Sweet Baby Rae's exceptional performance that propelled Vinyl to victory.
Rae Burrell, known for her energetic playstyle, showcased her offensive prowess, scoring an impressive 22 points, including two confident 3-pointers. Her defensive skills were equally remarkable, as she recorded five steals, one of which set up the game-winning free throw. This was a career-best performance for Burrell, who has been a key player for Vinyl.
However, it wasn't just Rae Burrell's brilliance that made the difference. Brittney Griner, a game-changer for Vinyl, scored six points in the first quarter, narrowing the gap to just two points. Her presence on the court was a significant factor in Vinyl's comeback.
Laces, who started strong with a 7-0 lead, seemed to have the upper hand. But Griner's contribution shifted the momentum, and Vinyl, led by Burrell, maintained their lead throughout the game, even though Laces made a late push in the fourth quarter. The game's turning point came when Rhyne Howard, Laces' star player, scored her second 3-pointer, setting up Burrell for the final play.
Laces' strategy was somewhat unusual, as they relied heavily on their reserve unit, consisting of Naz Hillmon, Jordin Canada, and Maddy Siegrist. While this trio played well, cutting the deficit to two points in the fourth quarter, it was a surprise to see Alyssa Thomas, Jackie Young, and Brittney Sykes on the bench during the crucial moments. Thomas, known for her ability to secure wins, and Young, who scored 17 points in limited minutes, were missed.
The game's controversy lies in the potential long-term strategy of head coach Andrew Wade. After Mist's victory in the first game of the day, Laces are no longer alone at the top of the standings. This shift in the rankings adds an intriguing layer to the tournament's progression.
Mist's Dominance: A Well-Deserved Victory
In another thrilling match, Mist secured an 82-69 victory over Hive, moving into a tie for first place. Despite Hive's initial 12-point lead, Mist's resilience and stellar performance secured their win.
Kelsey Mitchell, a standout player for Mist, helped Hive cut the lead to a single point late in the second quarter. However, Mist's strong finish at halftime put them ahead by 10 points. Throughout the second half, Mist maintained control, with Arike Ogunbowale, Breanna Stewart, and Allisha Gray leading the charge.
Arike Ogunbowale's final five points sealed the deal for Mist, as she finished with 18 points. Breanna Stewart dominated with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Allisha Gray contributed 17 points. Alanna Smith had an exceptional game, recording a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Additionally, Kelsey Mitchell set a new Unrivaled scoring high with 25 points, including a 5-for-7 performance from behind the arc. Sonia Citron also matched her Unrivaled high with 17 points, and Monique Billings, in her first Unrivaled start, finished with a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds.
