Today is the 1.03.2026, and basketball fans are in for a treat as the Unrivaled playoffs kick off in Miami. This year’s First Team has been headlined by some of the most talented players in the league, including Paige Bueckers, Kelsey Plum, and Chelsea Gray. Bueckers and Plum are making waves in their first seasons in the 3-on-3 league, while Gray has secured a spot on the First Team for the second consecutive year.
Chelsea Gray has had an outstanding season, averaging 24.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Notably, she led the league with an impressive 48% shooting from beyond the arc. Last season, Gray was named Finals MVP, guiding her team, Rose, to the Unrivaled championship. Kelsey Plum, who opted out of the previous season, returned with a bang, boasting the third-highest scoring average of 22.6 points per game, along with 4.9 rebounds and 5 assists. Paige Bueckers, the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year and No. 1 overall draft pick, contributed significantly with averages of 22.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists for her team, Breeze.
Playoff Highlights
The Unrivaled playoffs are heating up, with first-round games scheduled for tonight. Among the matchups, Vinyl will face Laces at 8:30 p.m. ET, while Breeze takes on Rose at 9:45 p.m. ET. Notably, Phantom and Mist have secured first-round byes due to being the top two regular-season seeds. Semifinal games will be held in Brooklyn on Monday, with the championship game set for March 4 in Miami, offering a whopping $600,000 prize pool for the winning team. Players are eager for their shot at glory!
In the first round, Rhyne Howard led Vinyl to victory over Laces with an impressive 30-point performance, while Paige Bueckers shone with 29 points, helping Breeze defeat the defending champions, Rose, 69-50. Dominique Malonga played a crucial role in Breeze’s success, contributing 17 rebounds and a game-winning free throw. As the playoffs progress, fans are eager to see how the top-seeded teams, Phantom and Mist, will fare against their opponents.
On the individual player front, Aliyah Boston from Phantom has been recognized as Unrivaled’s Defensive Player of the Year, leading the league with 29 blocks and finishing strong in defensive rebounds. Boston averaged 18.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, showcasing a significant improvement from her first season. Meanwhile, Kelsey Plum’s performance has earned her a place on the First Team alongside Bueckers and Gray, solidifying her impact in the league.
Looking Ahead
The excitement surrounding the Unrivaled playoffs is palpable, with teams and fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming semifinal matchups: Phantom vs. Vinyl and Mist vs. Breeze. As the league moves forward, all eyes will be on the championship game in Miami, which promises to be an electrifying showdown. For those looking for more information on the ongoing competition, further details can be found on the Associated Press.
As we gear up for the thrilling conclusion of this season, basketball enthusiasts in Florida and beyond will undoubtedly be glued to their screens, cheering for their favorite players and teams. The Unrivaled league not only showcases incredible talent but also adds a new dimension to the sport, making it a must-watch for any sports fan.