MEDLEY, Fla. (AP) – Breanna Stewart, a highly decorated athlete, has added another title to her impressive resume by leading Mist to an 80-74 victory over Phantom in the Unrivaled championship game on Wednesday night.
Stewart, who co-founded the league, scored 32 points, helping her team secure the championship after previously losing to Phantom in the regular season.
The championship game featured a dramatic finish, as an overturned offensive foul on Stewart resulted in a free throw that secured the win. The match showcased a back-and-forth battle, with both teams tied at 43 at halftime, but Mist took control in the second half to clinch the title.
Game Highlights
Stewart’s performance set the tone for Mist, as she scored the first 12 points of the second half, allowing her team to maintain the lead throughout. Despite a strong effort from Kelsey Plum, who scored 40 points for Phantom, Mist’s overall team effort proved decisive. Arike Ogunbowale contributed 19 points, while Allisha Gray added 12 points for Mist, ensuring a well-rounded performance.
Controversial Ending
The game concluded with a controversial moment when an offensive foul on Stewart was reviewed and changed to a blocking foul. This decision allowed Stewart to shoot a free throw, which she successfully made, triggering a celebration as confetti fell from the arena’s ceiling.
Future of Women’s Professional Basketball
As the season concludes, questions arise about the future of the WNBA, which currently lacks a labor agreement for the upcoming season. The league has indicated that an agreement must be reached soon to ensure a timely start to the next season. Without a deal, the Mist-Phantom final may represent the last professional women’s basketball game in the United States for the foreseeable future.
The Unrivaled League
Unrivaled features a unique format of 3-on-3 basketball played on a smaller court, emphasizing fast-paced action with an 18-second shot clock. The league aims to fill a gap in the women’s professional basketball calendar, providing players with more opportunities to showcase their talents. Stewart expressed her belief in the league’s potential, stating, “We used to have a seven-month blackout period where you didn’t know what these professional basketball players were doing. And now you know.”