The unfolding drama of the 2026 Unrivaled season is proving to be a significant turnaround for Breanna Stewart and her team, Mist.
Breanna Stewart seems unfazed by the fact that she clinched Mist's second victory of the season with a crucial free throw. For her, the focus isn’t on the surrounding hype; it’s all about securing wins.
Last season was a tough journey for Stewart and the Mist squad. They faced a challenging start in the 2025 Unrivaled season, beginning with a winless stretch of 0-4, which ultimately led to their absence from the playoffs.
However, this year, Mist has shown remarkable improvement, boasting a current record of 2-0 and setting their sights on achieving a perfect 3-0 against Phantom this coming Monday night at 7:30 p.m. ET, broadcasted on TNT/truTV.
While Stewart is expected to perform well—despite her current struggles from beyond the arc, where she has yet to hit a three-pointer, going 0-for-7—she doesn't always need to carry the load alone. Allisha Gray has emerged as a key player, showcasing her scoring prowess with a personal best of 28 points in a nail-biting win over Laces, following a commendable 21-point and nine-rebound performance in the season opener.
Moreover, Mist can count on the contributions of newcomer Veronica Burton, who has consistently filled the box score across both games. Additionally, Alanna Smith is bringing her Defensive Player of the Year caliber to the Unrivaled stage, while Arike Ogunbowale appears to have regained her form, and Li Yueru is effectively fulfilling her role on the team.
In a display of Mist's impressive depth, head coach Zack O’Brien made strategic adjustments to the starting lineup for Mist's second game, bringing in Smith and Ogunbowale in place of Gray and Burton. Although he reverted to the original trio of Stewart, Gray, and Burton to kick off the second half, his willingness to mix things up indicates a strong belief in the team's versatility and their shared commitment to achieving victory.
On the other side, Phantom is also likely feeling optimistic as they navigate their second Unrivaled season. With a record of 1-1, this version of the Ghost Gang appears far more capable of contending for playoff spots than last season's disappointing finish at the bottom. A key factor in this resurgence is undoubtedly the addition of Kelsey Plum, who dazzled in her second game with an impressive 38 points, along with 11 assists and eight rebounds, demonstrating her all-around impact on the court.
Aliyah Boston has also found her footing in the Unrivaled arena, accumulating 39 points, 17 rebounds, and eight assists in the first two games. The steady output from Plum and Boston is complemented by the dynamic play of Tiffany Hayes and Natasha Cloud, both of whom excel defensively while exerting pressure offensively.
While Phantom certainly possesses the capability to hand Mist their first loss of the season and establish themselves as a serious contender, the solid foundation of Mist’s core trio—Stewart, Gray, and Burton—coupled with the potential of Smith to challenge Boston, suggests that Mist is poised to improve their record to 3-0.
In stark contrast, the Lunar Owls find themselves yearning for a return to their previous glory.
The former champions of the inaugural Unrivaled season are now echoing cries of "Hootie Hoo" that symbolize their despair. With Napheesa Collier out for the season and Skylar Diggins sidelined for the initial two games due to injury, the Owls have lost their once-potent identity, becoming overly reliant on Marina Mabrey, whose high-volume but low-efficiency scoring has not been enough to turn the tide.
So, how can the Owls find their way back to competitiveness?
Historically, we haven’t witnessed any in-season trades in the Unrivaled league. Nevertheless, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Lunar Owls require some sort of revitalization. What innovative ideas do you have that could enhance the Owls' performance? Are there any trades within the Unrivaled framework that you would advocate for? Feel free to unleash your imagination on the mythical Unrivaled trade machine and share your thoughts on The Feed.
Their upcoming strategy seems likely to fall short against Laces, who will be eager to bounce back following their loss to Mist. Laces, with their focused defensive approach and meticulous attention to detail, are set to challenge the Owls’ already struggling offense. Any member of Laces’ starting lineup, including Jackie Young, Alyssa Thomas, and Brittney Sykes, has the potential to stifle Mabrey, thereby crippling the Lunar Owls’ attack. Furthermore, Laces' ability to swiftly convert defensive stops into transition scores places them in a strong position.
It would indeed be surprising if this matchup remains competitive for long.
