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What happens when when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?
We might find out on Sunday night in Unrivaled (7:30 p.m. ET, truTV), when Chelsea Gray’s Rose meets Alyssa Thomas’ Laces.
Just imagine an end-of-game scenario where Rose, in striking distance of the winning score, puts the ball in Gray’s hands, ready for the Point Gawd to drill yet another game-winner. However, as soon as she crosses halfcourt, she’s hounded by Thomas, with AT determined to deny Gray more Unrivaled glory.
Yes, Friday’s night’s games were the best yet, but Sunday’s Rose-Laces showdown profiles as the ultimate Unrivaled offering.
Along with matching 3-1 records, Rose and Laces enter their first meeting with exceedingly similar statistics. Laces averages a league-leading 74.8 points per game to Rose’s second-best 74.3. Both clubs are converting exactly 57 percent of their field goals, with Rose taking and making more 3s while Laces has been more proficient on 2-pointers. The clubs also get to the line for 8.3 free throws per game. They also both swipe 5.5 steals per game. Laces averages about 1.5 more boards and just over one more assists per game. Rose commits 1.5 fewer turnovers and about 1.25 fewer fouls. Rose also is allowing the fewest opponent points per game at 68; Laces just trails at 68.5.
Needless to say, these clubs are evenly matched, both well-equipped with the veteran savvy required to manufacture advantages in this 3×3 setting.
After making her season debut on Friday night, Kahleah Copper returning to her best form on Sunday would be a boon for Rose. While “The Chelsea Gray Show” can lead to lots of wins, Rose likely needs more contributions to outlast Laces. Thus far, Brittney Sykes has carried the scoring load for Laces, boosted by her unwavering aggression and outlier 3-point shooting, with Jackie Young seeming ready to assume a larger role if Sykes’ production slips.
However, while much attention will be on the likes of Gray, Thomas and the clubs’ other stars, it could very well be someone like Naz Hillmon, Maddy Siegrist, Sug Sutton or Lexie Hull who, through a strong stint, timely buckets or a key defensive stop, helps their side secure the win.
Has Hive found their winning formula?
Hive found their buzz, holding off late-charging Rose to win their first game of the season, as well as their first in club history.
Both Kelsey Mitchell and Sonia Citron appeared to have made their full acclimation to Unrivaled, with Mitchell dipping deep into her scoring bag with 24 points and Citron showing off a more confident stroke with 14 points. From the bench, Saniya Rivers and Monique Billings injected Hive with extra offensive production and defensive energy, with Rivers contributing 14 points, nine boards and two more blocks and Billings putting up a 12-point and 10-rebound double-double.
Hive will test the resiliency of their winning formula against Phantom (8:45 p.m. ET, truTV).
In particular, Phantom will look to stress Hive’s defense by demanding that they find a solve to the fast-developing two-woman game between Kelsey Plum and Aliyah Boston. Plum’s proficiency as a pull-up shooter and driver, combined with Boston’s effectiveness popping for a jumper, operating out of the short roll or diving all the way to the basket, creates an action that can crack even the most disciplined defensives.
The likes of Natasha Cloud and Tiffany Hayes also might be two of the defenders best suited to slow Mitchell, while Phantom’s two-big look with Boston and Kiki Iriafen can close off Hive’s opportunities for rim finishes.
The Ghost Gang likely are better than their 2-2 record, losing their two games by a combined eight points. Off a loss, they’re likely to come out with an extra edge, requiring that Hive, fresh off their first win, maintain a locked-in level of focus.
Although not as highly-anticipated as Rose-Laces, this also has the makings of a fun one, with a battle between the Kelseys, a face off between Fever stars, the first Kitron contest and more.
