As we approach the middle of the season and the beginning of Week 5, we must take this time to discuss the intense 1v1 competition that has stolen the attention of the basketball world. There were already a few upsets within the first and second rounds. The first shock of the competition came when Stewie did not register a single point against Aaliyah Edwards. I thought Stewie would be in the finals not only because of her pedigree, but because of her all-around scoring bag that’s accompanied with her incredible length, but Aaliyah Edwards got to her spots and knocked down a couple of big 3’s to secure the win. Rae Burrell’s second round win against Jewell Loyd was another surprise that I didn’t see coming. There obviously was a distinct height advantage in favor of the much taller forward, Rae Burrell, but Jewell Loyd’s tremendously savvy ball-handling, shot-creation, and elite quickness should’ve helped her get by Burrell. Burrell ended up holding Loyd to 2 of 5 shooting from the field and 0/1 from 3 point range. She dominated the 1v1 matchup from a defensive standpoint and you can see that confidence translate to her offensive possessions sas shen knocked down 2 triples herself.
The quarter-finals were also quite entertaining and it contained one of the best games of the entire tournament. Arike Ogunbowale versus Satou Sabally matchup. This game was close because of how tight the lid was on the rim for both of these women. They were able to create and take great looks, but were just struggling to convert them. Sabally shot 2/11 from the field while Arike shot 4/10. However, that doesn’t give the true explanation of what went on in this battle. Ogunbowale and Sabally came down to the wire after a late three by Sabally cut Arike’s lead down to 2 (8/10). Satou nearly tied the game with a turnaround post jumper that she ultimately left short. Arike would win the game by getting to the rim and drawing a foul on Sabally that led to her game winning-free throws. There was so much energy radiating throughout this particular matchup. You could see the aggression and physicality from both women when they were trying to drive to the rim against one another.
Aaliyah Edwards, Napheesa Collier, Arike Ogunbowale, and Azura Stevens were the last 4 standing heading into Friday. The first semi-finals matchup between Aaliyah Edwards and Arike Ogunbowale was completely one-sided. Aaliyah Edwards’ extraordinary defensive prowess and build made it extremely difficult for Arike Ogunbowale to get any space for a clean look. Aside from her playing outstanding defense against Arike, Aaliyah really took over the game with her size and footwork in the post. She was using her 6’3” frame to bury the 5’8” Arike in the post for layups and turnaround jumpers. Aaliya Edwardshas been demonstrating her elite touch in the lane throughout the whole 1on 1 tournament, which landed her a bid to the finals. Her matchup in the finals would be Napheesa Collier, who had been on an absolute heater in both the team and 1 on 1 competition. Collier had to play Azura Stevens in the semifinals, where she dominated on both sides of the ball to the similar effect of Aaliyah Edwards. Napheesa was a menace on defense, as she blocked Azura twice and held her to 10% from the field. In her first game versus Aaliyah Edwards, Edwards would take the first one out of the best of 3 series. Collier and Edwards were trading buckets back and forth, but ultimately Aaliyah Edwards won the game by breaking the deadlock with a free throw and closing the game out on a blow-by layup. Game 2 was a different story even though Aaliyah Edwards started out with a 4-2 lead, Collier was able to comeback and win by driving by Edwards for a layup. Collier would also knock down a crucial three before ending the game on a made free throw, which tied the series 1-1. As the series was nodded up 1-1 it was time for the final game of the tournament. Game 3 was no contest as Collier took the momentum from her Game 2 win and carried it into the final. She dominated from start to finish as she would only let Aaliyah get off one field goal attempt in an 8-0 win. Collier’s elite mid-range and post jumpers were falling over Aaliyah’s contesting hands and there was not an answer that Aaliyah could provide. Napheesa Collier went out there and proved that she’s the best player in Unrivaled and ended up taking home the first place prize money of 200k. She has been nothing short of impressive for the inaugural Unrivaled Season. Collier just breezed through the 1 on 1 tournament and she has led her Lunar Owls club to an undefeated record, while also leading the league in scoring. She’s been the best player all season long and it was rewarding to see her win the 1 on 1 tournament. Unrivaled and Women’s Basketball as a whole won with this 1 on 1 event. They gave WNBA players the chance to show their individual skill-sets on a highly-televised stage. Other leagues should and will take note of this trailblazing event to further the intrigue of the game of basketball for fans of the sport.