Here’s a bold statement: the Unrivaled league might just be the ultimate stage for certain WNBA players to shine in ways they never could in the traditional 5x5 game. But here’s where it gets controversial—could it be that some players are simply better suited for this fast-paced, small-sided format than the WNBA itself? Let’s dive into why Lunar Owls’ Aaliyah Edwards and Marina Mabrey are making a compelling case for this argument.
Unrivaled is often seen as an extension of the WNBA, sharing rosters, coaching staffs, and even player dynamics. Yet, the basketball itself is a different beast. In Unrivaled’s 3x3 format, individual skill takes center stage. With fewer defenders on the court and the same spacing (court width and 3-point line distance), isolation plays become far more effective. And this is the part most people miss—players who excel in one-on-one situations can dominate here, even if they’ve struggled to stand out in the WNBA.
So, who’s thriving in this unique environment? Let’s start with Aaliyah Edwards of the Lunar Owls and Connecticut Sun. In her second Unrivaled season, Edwards has become the poster child for isolation basketball. While her 3x3 performance last season was unremarkable, her stunning run in the 1-on-1 Tournament—where she defeated WNBA All-Stars like Breanna Stewart and Arike Ogunbowale—sparked debates about whether her talent was being underutilized in the WNBA. This season, Edwards has translated that success to Unrivaled, averaging 21.8 points per game (sixth in the league), a massive leap from her 5.4 points per game in the WNBA last season. She’s also leading Unrivaled in rebounds with 12.2 per game, compared to her 5.4 WNBA average. Here’s the controversial question—does this mean Edwards is simply a better fit for Unrivaled, or is she proving she deserves a bigger role in the WNBA?
Another player defying expectations is Monique Billings of Hive BC and the Golden State Valkyries. An eight-year WNBA veteran with a limited offensive role, Billings wasn’t even selected for Unrivaled’s inaugural season. Fast forward to now, and she’s averaging over 14 points and eight rebounds in just 11 minutes per game—a historic per-minute production. While her 3-point shot is still a work in progress, Unrivaled has given her the space to experiment and thrive. But here’s the debate—is her success a fluke, or is she finally getting the opportunity to showcase her untapped potential?
Now, let’s talk about Marina Mabrey, also of the Lunar Owls and Connecticut Sun. Mabrey’s performance in Unrivaled is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Averaging 28.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, she’s in a league of her own. Alongside Paige Bueckers, she’s one of only two players in the top 10 for all three stats, and she’s outscoring Bueckers by nearly five points per game. Mabrey and Edwards combined account for almost 76% of the Lunar Owls’ total scoring. The question is—is Mabrey’s success a product of her role on a thin roster, or has she simply found her perfect basketball environment in 3x3?
While the Lunar Owls aren’t racking up wins, Mabrey’s individual performance is undeniable. Her competitive fire was on full display in a recent game against Vinyl, where she got into a heated exchange with Courtney Williams before dropping 31 points and securing an 11-point victory. Here’s the thought-provoking question for you—are players like Mabrey and Edwards proving that Unrivaled is more than just a side gig, but a platform where certain talents truly flourish? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think these players are better suited for Unrivaled, or should their success here earn them bigger roles in the WNBA?
