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Three weeks into the inaugural Unrivaled season, every club has played six games. So, where does every club stand? Why are some succeeding while others are struggling?
To answer those questions and more, here’s the second edition of Swish Appeal’s Unrivaled power rankings:
6. Rose (2-4)
Although Angel Reese getting ejected in the second quarter of their most recent game might grab the most headlines, Rose has a more intractable issue: scoring consistently.
The problem stems from lacking reliable shot creators in the halfcourt. Kahleah Copper and Chelsea Gray (sometimes) have been the only players who can get past any defender that switches onto them. Rose has found recent success by pairing Reese with Azurá Stevens in the frontcourt together. The sample size is small, but the combination is promising because both players have the mobility and length to be disruptive on defense, while also brining physicality against teams that switch everything offensively.
But, the biggest question surrounding this team moving forward will be if can they keep up offensively.
5. Vinyl (2-4)
Vinyl is one of the more entertaining clubs to watch. Despite the 2-4 record, Vinyl is third in the league in points per game. They also play a very finesse game. Between Arike Ogunbowale, Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada and Dearica Hamby, they have a ton of agility and quickness that is hard to stop.
However, the lack of power is extremely evident through the first three weeks of the league. In their losses, they consistently get overwhelmed by size and fall in love with shooting 3s. The 3-point shooting is fixable, but the lack of size and strength is what has doomed them on their current four-game losing streak.
4. Mist (2-4)
The Mist have underperformed relative to expectations, but their one mainstay in wins and losses has been Breanna Stewart. In addition to being one of the co-founders of the league, Stewart arguably has been the second best player in all of Unrivaled. She’s averaging just under 19 points and 12 rebounds per game while being a super impactful defender.
Stewie’s length and mobility makes a huge difference. She forces teams to change their entire game plan simply with her presence. Their comeback win against Vinyl on Saturday made this extremely evident. Despite being 2-4, Mist will always have a chance to beat any team as long as Stewie is on the court.
3. Phantom (2-4)
It may feel like drawing straws between the league’s four 2-4 teams, but Phantom have impressed with their offensive process. They run coordinated sets that are intentional, but most importantly, they play at a pace that is comfortable for all their players.
The Brittney Griner minutes are interesting because she is a looming presence inside that deters layups, but her lack of mobility leads to countless open 3s. Oftentimes, her minutes turn into a numbers game, with Phantom hoping that their opponent’s mediocre shooters miss open looks. Only time will tell if this will work long term, but keep an eye out for the Sarina Ionescu, Natasha Cloud and Satou Sabally lineup that has looked very good in the last few games.
2. Laces (4-2)
Kayla McBride has been unbelievable. She has willed this team to multiple wins with her offensive brilliance. My only concern is the amount of minutes she is playing. She is second behind Sabrina Ionescu (21.3) in minutes played per game at 19.5.
Tiffany Hayes also has been excellent as well, averaging 18.5 points per game. This team has continued to look good even without Alyssa Thomas. Thomas brings defense, passing and ball handling, but with her out with injury over the last three games, those responsibilities have fallen on McBride’s shoulders. If the Laces can get Thomas back and rediscover that early-season synergy, they could challenge for the number one spot in the power rankings once again.
1. Lunar Owls (6-0)
It’s pretty clear that the Lunar Owls are the best club. It certainly helps that Napheesa Collier is the best player in Unrivaled, but Owls’ complimentary guards—Allisha Gray, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Courtney Williams—also are huge difference makers, as all three play with great speed and pace.
Lunar Owls don’t overwhelm teams with size, but they aren’t lacking in that department, either. The speed with which they play in transition has been basically unstoppable so far. I would’ve never guessed that they would be so much faster than every team, but it’s happening. Not only that, but Owls have mastered the art of pick-and-roll. This team is 6-0 for a reason.
