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On Friday night, Hive kept their playoff hopes alive, defeating Rose in what became a high-scoring, back-and-forth Unrivaled showdown.
On Sunday night, Hive can strengthen their once-improbably playoff prospects with their first two-game winning streak of the season, while Rose needs to return to the win column to solidify their playoff standing.
And for that to happen for both clubs, they have to play better defense.
As Hive and Rose combined for 158 points on Friday, their opponents on Sunday, Phantom and Laces, together totaled 122 points in a defense-first affair. Although the offensive fireworks might be fun, the fact that the Ghost Gang and Solemates sit in first and second place, securely in the playoffs, lends credence to the mantra that, “Defense wins championships.” To even have a shot at the championship, Hive and Rose have to make the playoffs—and that begins with finding their defense.
Hive first meets new league-leaders Phantom (7:30 p.m. ET, truTV), followed by Rose challenging Laces (8:45 p.m. ET).
For Hive, Friday night’s offensive outburst was encouraging. Their 80 points represented a season high, as the club has averaged a league-low 66.5 points per game. Poor shooting, a lack of free throws and few assists had contributed to Hive’s struggles on the offensive end.
To remedy these woes, they got more aggressive. Hive attacked quickly, often taking the first open shot. Kelsey Mitchell buzzed down the floor and got right to the basket. Azurá Stevens showed off her 3-point stroke with triples early in the shot clock. Sonia Citron got to her spots in the midrange and didn’t hesitate to shoot. Monique Billings raced down the floor and straight to the rim.
But, how successful will this strategy be against a much more disciplined defense in Phantom?
The Ghost Gang are not the best team in the league simply because of their offense, but also due to the other end of floor. Aliyah Boston, who has emerged as the Defensive Player of the Year front runner, is the foundation of Phantom’s defense. Boston is committed to consistently getting back and getting in position to protect the rim, thus not allowing the kind of easy scores that Hive, especially her Indiana Fever teammate Mitchell, feasted on on Friday night.
If their offense isn’t flowing, Hive will have to try to stay in the game with their defense, which doesn’t inspire confidence. Hive, in particular, allows the most 2-point attempts per game in the league, a not promising statistic when two around-the-basket beasts like Boston and Kiki Iriafen, as well as expert drivers like Kelsey Plum and Tiffany Hayes, are on the other side.
Phantom prevailed 71-59 in the first meeting between the two clubs, with the Boston-Plum tandem combining for 42 points. This time around, all signs and stats point to a similar outcome. But expect Hive to keep buzzing until the final buzzer.
Can Rose, literally, defend their championship?
The defensive disparity is even greater in Sunday night’s second game. Laces are the league’s best defense, permitting 65.3 points per game, while Rose rank last, allowing 75.8 points per game.
In the two wins they’ve earned since their 3-0 start, Rose recommitted to defense, with the opponent scoring 74 points and 66 points. Otherwise, they’ve been lit up, allowing the opponent to score 80 or more points five times.
That data suggest Rose needs to find a new defensive formula, and the arrival of Angel Reese might present the perfect answer. Reese played very limited minutes alongside Shakira Austin on Friday. That needs to change. Rose should invest in the double-big look, relying on the incredible combined length, athleticism and intensity of Angel and Kira to turn games in bruising battles.
The spacing and schemes could get a bit clunky on offense, but that duo should be able to overwhelm opponents on defense, especially since both Reese and Austin are capable defending on the perimeter. It’s not going to be perfect, but it surely will be better than the standard set by Rose’s recent defensive performances.
And if Rose can keep a grimy, gritty game close, they can then put the ball in the hands of the Point Gawd, counting on more clutch heroics from Chelsea Gray to deliver the W.
Laces, of course, will have other ideas. Coming off a loss that knocked them from their first place perch, the Solemates certainly will be looking to make a statement: They’re still the best club in Unrivaled.
The motivations of both teams suggest the conditions are right for hard-fought, competitive contest. Last time, Laces edged Rose, 70-66, boosted by 35 points from Jackie Young.
