Get ready for an intense playoff showdown in the 2026 Unrivaled season! The regular season has come to a thrilling conclusion, and now it's time to determine who will battle it out for the championship.
The stage is set, and the competition is fierce!
As the regular season drew to a close, all six clubs took to the court on Friday, marking the end of an exciting chapter. We bid farewell to the Lunar Owls and Hive, and now, our attention turns to the weekend ahead, where the true contenders will emerge.
Two teams, the top-seeded Phantom and the second-seeded Mist, have secured their spots in the final four with byes. This leaves an intense battle for the remaining two semifinal positions, with four teams vying for a chance to join them in Brooklyn.
Before we dive into the high-stakes playoff action, let's recap the regular season's final moments:
Lunar Owls' Last Stand
In a game that determined nothing but pride, the Lunar Owls took on the eliminated Hive. Marina Mabrey put on a spectacular show, scoring 33 points and sinking six 3-pointers. Skylar Diggins joined the scoring frenzy, adding 30 points, including the game-winning basket. For the Hive, Kelsey Mitchell and Aziaha James combined for 43 points, but it wasn't enough to stop the Owls' onslaught.
Mist's Momentum
Mist, a team on a roll, continued their winning streak with a 72-62 victory over Vinyl. Breanna Stewart led the charge with a game-high 28 points, showcasing her all-around talent with seven rebounds and three assists. Alanna Smith contributed 18 points and nine rebounds, while Arike Ogunbowale had a quieter night, but Mist's depth proved too much for Vinyl, who finished with a 5-9 record.
Rae Burrell's Spark
In a losing effort, Rae Burrell shined for the LA Sparks-affiliated Vinyl, scoring 23 points. Her teammate, Dearica Hamby, added 18 points and nine boards. If they can replicate this performance in Los Angeles, Sparks fans are in for a treat this season.
Phantom's Plum Power
Rose gave Phantom a run for their money, but Kelsey Plum's scoring prowess proved to be the difference. Plum erupted for 35 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, securing a 72-68 win and extending Phantom's winning streak to seven games. Kiki Iriafen dominated the boards with 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Angel Reese led Rose with 17 points and eight rebounds. However, Rose's offensive struggles, particularly Chelsea Gray's shooting woes and the team's poor free-throw shooting, ultimately cost them the game.
Dom's Dunk Show
Dominique Malonga, the rim-rocking sensation, added another dunk to her impressive collection, with none other than Kevin Durant watching in awe. Malonga's dominance extended beyond her highlight-reel plays, as she led Breeze with 21 points and 10 rebounds. However, it was Laces who emerged victorious, thanks to Brittney Sykes' 25-point performance on 10-for-18 shooting. Sykes is playing some of the best basketball Unrivaled has seen, and her performance was a key factor in Laces' win. Jackie Young and Jordin Canada added 13 points each, helping Laces' guards neutralize Breeze's young stars, including Rickea Jackson.
Playoff Preview
On Saturday, the playoff picture will come into focus as No. 3-seed Laces take on No. 6-seed Vinyl, while No. 5-seed Breeze battles No. 4-seed Rose. The action kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET on truTV, and you won't want to miss a moment of this intense competition. Who will advance and take a step closer to their ultimate goal?
Stay tuned, and let the playoff journey begin!
