Unrivaled Week 2 storylines to watch, including what’s next for Angel Reese
Week 2 of Unrivaled is here after a historic opening week.
The debut of Unrivaled was fantastic. There were many incredible moments during the league’s inaugural weekend, including epic Skylar Diggins-Smith game-winning shots—twice. It was also really awesome to see teams separate from the pack.
The Lunar Owls put the whole league on notice as early championship contenders, and several other squads like the Vinyl and Laces are also in the mix. That made us think: what other storylines should we watch during Week 2?
Here are a few things to know ahead of this week’s slate of games, including what’s next for Angel Reese.
Angel Reese’s development in Unrivaled
MEDLEY, FLORIDA – JANUARY 17: Angel Reese #5 of Rose defends against Jordin Canada #3 of the Vinyl during the second half at The Mediapro Studio on January 17, 2025 in Medley, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
It’s not uncommon for WNBA athletes to use other leagues or trainers to get better during the offseason, and that’s what’s happening with second-year player Angel Reese.
Of course, Reese has been in Miami, playing with Unrivaled’s Rose BC. During her time there, she’s been connecting with other WNBA players, including Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier and Lisa Leslie, to focus on things like shot selection and finishing better around the rim.
It’s something to monitor as the season progresses because Reese is all-in on improving. Here’s what Copper recently said about working with Reese:
“It’s been great…On the court, it’s been great. You know, to see her on the court and really want to learn. You know, it’s a lot of young players that’s like, ‘I want to learn from the greats. I want to learn.’ And you get with them, and they don’t want to listen or they do want they want to do.
But, no. She communicates. She really wants to learn…and I see her —her growth every single day. So, respectfully, I have a lot of respect for her on the court and just how she wants to grow.”
Which Unrivaled team pulls out its first win
(Photo courtesy of Unrivaled)
The Phantom, Mist, and Rose basketball clubs are in trouble. Phantom can’t find its stride, Mist is struggling to finish games, and Rose is getting cooked defensively.
After one week of action, all three teams are winless. (Yes, ZERO wins.) It’s disheartening to see, given the talent level on every roster, and somebody—ANYBODY— needs to PULL IT TOGETHER.
Napheesa Collier is Unrivaled
Jan 17, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Napheesa Collier (24) of the Lunar Owls drives toward the basket as Courtney Vandersloot (25) of the Mist defends during the first half of the Unrivaled women’s professional 3v3 basketball league at Wayfair Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
It feels very fitting that Napheesa Collier, one of the co-founders of Unrivaled, is, well, unrivaled on the league’s court.
Phee’s been on a scorched earth tear since the 2024 WNBA season, and it was turned up a notch during the WNBA Finals. Since arriving in Miami, she’s still torching everyone, averaging 29 points, 8.5 rebounds and just over one steal a matchup.
WHAT?! Excuse me, Napheesa Collier?! Sending thoughts and prayers to anyone lining up against Phee. May the odds be ever in your favor.