Breanna Stewart and the Mist are poised to take the top spot in the Unrivaled standings, but the path to victory is paved with challenges and intriguing matchups. On Monday night, the Mist faces off against Laces in a highly anticipated rematch. The first encounter was a nail-biter, with the Mist emerging victorious by just two points, thanks to Breanna Stewart's clutch free throw. This time, the stakes are even higher as both teams, boasting a 6-2 record, aim to prove their dominance.
The Mist, statistically the most balanced team in Unrivaled, enters the game on a three-game winning streak, showcasing their best performance of the season. This turnaround is largely attributed to a healthy and revitalized Breanna Stewart, who is leading her team towards a potential championship run. Stewart's versatility is remarkable; she can increase her scoring aggression when needed, anchor the defense, and serve as a dangerous decoy on offense. Her stellar performance this season has earned her a spot among the top scorers, with nearly 20 points per game, and she's also a top-five rebounder.
However, the Laces, led by the dynamic duo of Alyssa Thomas and Jackie Young, are not to be underestimated. They have the luxury of allowing their stars to pick their moments, but in their last game, they may have been too selective, losing to Vinyl. The Laces' reserves, including Naz Hillmon, Maddy Siegrist, and Jordin Canada, are capable of making significant impacts, but the full engagement of Thomas and Young will be crucial to reclaiming first place.
In other Unrivaled action, Vinyl seeks to extend their winning streak with a second-straight victory over Hive. While their recent outburst against Laces was entertaining, relying solely on Sweet Baby Rae and Brittney Griner's positive play isn't a sustainable strategy. Vinyl's struggles to maximize the familiarity between Rhyne Howard and Dearica Hamby, both 2024 Olympic teammates, have been frustrating. They also need consistent contributions from Courtney Williams and Erica Wheeler.
Despite these challenges, Vinyl should handle Hive, a team that lacks the talent to compete in the postseason, without much difficulty. The Hive's lack of talent makes them an opponent that Vinyl should be able to overcome, regardless of any lingering doubts about their potential.
