Can a team that's still searching for its first win really challenge an undefeated champion? That's the burning question as Hive faces off against Rose in Unrivaled. Let's dive into why this matchup is more David vs. Goliath than a fair fight, and explore if Hive has any chance of pulling off a massive upset.
Hive's inaugural Unrivaled season has been, to put it mildly, a struggle. Starting 0-3 is tough for any team, but it's especially concerning for an expansion club trying to find its footing. Now, they face the ultimate test: a Friday night showdown with Rose, the defending champions who haven't lost a single game (8:45 p.m. ET, TNT/truTV). Avoiding an 0-4 start seems like a monumental task.
But here's where it gets controversial... Many expected Hive to be an offensive powerhouse. Sonia Citron, fresh off a promising WNBA rookie season, paired with the dynamic Kelsey Mitchell? Sounds like a recipe for points! Instead, Hive has become the least potent offensive team in Unrivaled, shooting a dismal 42.6% from the field and averaging a league-low 61.3 points per game. What happened?
The anticipated connection between Citron and Mitchell simply hasn't ignited. Citron, who shot a solid 44.5% from three-point range in the WNBA, has gone ice cold in Miami, hitting only 1 of 13 attempts (7.7%). Mitchell hasn't fared much better from beyond the arc, connecting on just 1 of 10. While Mitchell has found some success attacking the basket in isolation, finishing nearly 60% of her two-pointers, this individual brilliance hasn't translated into a cohesive offensive flow. And this is the part most people miss...
Neither Citron nor Mitchell are known for their exceptional playmaking abilities. This lack of a true facilitator has become a significant problem. Reserve guards Natisha Hiedeman and Saniya Rivers are also more inclined to drive for their own shots rather than creating opportunities for teammates. Consequently, Hive averages a league-low eight assists per game and assists on less than one-third of their shots – by far the lowest assist rate in the league. Is the issue talent or a lack of team chemistry? It's a question worth considering.
As a result, Hive hasn't been able to fully utilize Ezi Magbegor's potential as a roller or popper in two-woman actions. Monique Billings' hustle-first offensive style, characterized by offensive rebounds and transition opportunities, has become one of Hive's most reliable sources of offense. While Billings deserves credit for her effort, the fact that she's tied with Citron as the team's leading scorer is not a positive sign. It highlights the team's overall offensive struggles.
Nevertheless, Hive might find salvation by embracing a defense-first mentality. Taking a cue from Billings' relentless energy and turning defense into offense looks like their best path to success. They currently lead the league in blocks and rank third in steals. Rivers has spearheaded Hive's defensive playmaking, accumulating 13 total "stocks" (steals + blocks) – leading the league with eight blocks and securing five steals. Citron has contributed four steals and three blocks, Mitchell has matched that number of steals, and Magbegor has also recorded three blocks. If Hive can improve their defensive rebounding to more effectively end opponents' possessions, they could cultivate an active, aggressive defensive identity. But can they?
Seeing that defensive strategy succeed against Rose, however, might be overly optimistic. At this point, the prevailing expectation is that regardless of how well the opponent is playing or how large a lead they build, Chelsea Gray will inevitably take control of the game and lead Rose to victory. She has a knack for turning the tide when her team needs it most.
In this matchup, expect Rose and Gray, not Hive, to do the stinging. Can Hive prove everyone wrong and pull off the upset? That's the million-dollar question.
Now, let's shift gears to another intriguing Unrivaled matchup: Laces vs. Phantom. This is a clash of contrasting vibes, a fascinating study in team dynamics.
As Unrivaled commentators Brendan Glasheen and Sarah Kustock have emphasized, Laces are approaching the season with a strategic seriousness. They're a veteran-heavy club eager to delve into the intricacies of the game, focusing on the Xs and Os. They are all about refining their game plan and executing with precision.
Their opponent on Friday night (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT/truTV) exudes a completely different aura.
If Laces are business-like in their approach, Phantom combines fierce competition with a sense of fun and lightheartedness, embodied by their "papi crops," "mami crops," and seemingly endless supply of matcha. They're a team that knows how to have fun while still striving for victory. Is this approach sustainable in the long run?
Neither approach is inherently right or wrong, better or worse. Rather, the two clubs' personalities reflect the diverse pathways to success possible in Unrivaled. It demonstrates that there's more than one way to build a winning team.
And on the court, the clubs might be more similar than different. Both teams have found success through sharing the basketball. Phantom leads Unrivaled with 18 assists per game, while Laces comes in second with just under 14 per contest. Kelsey Plum has been the driving force behind Phantom's playmaking, dishing out 17 assists through three games. Alyssa Thomas has contributed 15 assists for Laces.
Many of these passes are leading to three-point opportunities, as both clubs attempt approximately 21 three-pointers per game and shoot around 37% from beyond the arc. For Phantom, Natasha Cloud has started the season on fire from long range, hitting 8 of 15 attempts (53.3%). Brittney Sykes, a similarly streaky shooter from deep, has also been letting it fly for Laces, connecting on nine triples at a 47.3% clip. Laces also has Jackie Young converting 40% of her threes, while Maddy Siegrist has hit half of her three-point attempts, although she's only taken eight. So, who will win the three-point battle?
In short, these clubs have the potential to deliver an offensive spectacle, characterized by crisp ball movement and elite shot-making. Prepare for a high-scoring affair!
However, with players like Thomas and Aliyah Boston involved, both of whom never shy away from physical play, this game could also devolve into a knock-down, drag-out battle. Young, Sykes, and Naz Hillmon can also bring the physicality for Laces, while Cloud and Tiffany Hayes can follow Boston's lead by doing the same for Phantom. Will the game be decided by skill or sheer will?
Tune in to witness a bit of everything Unrivaled has to offer. Will it be a display of offensive firepower, a bruising battle of wills, or a combination of both? Let us know your predictions in the comments below! Which team's style do you prefer, the business-like approach of Laces or the fun-loving attitude of Phantom? We want to hear your thoughts!
