The Unrivaled-best duo of Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Plum led Phantom to a fourth-straight victory, showcasing their prowess in the 1-on-1 Tournament. With the regular season temporarily paused, the team's success was highlighted by their dominant performance against Vinyl and Mist.
Boston, with an impressive 33 points and 16 rebounds, earned Player of the Game honors, while Plum contributed 30 points and a 50% field goal percentage. Together, they scored 63 of Phantom's 76 points, demonstrating their exceptional skills and impact on the court.
The victory secured a playoff spot for Phantom, making them the second Unrivaled team to advance to the postseason. However, the game wasn't without challenges.
During the third quarter, Vinyl took an 11-point lead, but Phantom mounted a comeback. Boston and Kiki Iriafen scored key baskets, and Natasha Cloud hit a 3-pointer, narrowing the gap. Plum's three-point shot in the fourth quarter put Phantom ahead, and she sealed the win with a pump fake and fancy footwork, outmaneuvering her Los Angeles Sparks teammate, Rae Burrell.
Vinyl's struggles continued, with a 4-7 record, and they faced a challenging season. Despite Rhyne Howard's 22 points and Dearica Hamby's efficiency, they suffered another loss from a lead.
In contrast, Mist dominated Rose, with Breanna Stewart and Allisha Gray contributing significantly. Mist's pressure in the second quarter led to a double-digit lead, and they maintained control throughout. Arike Ogunbowale, named Player of the Game, scored 29 points, while Gray had 19 points and Stewart added 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Rose, despite the loss, can still make the playoffs and defend their title. The team's trade with Breeze and Hive, involving players like Saniya Rivers and Azurá Stevens, may impact their performance. The outcome will depend on their roster adjustments and the team's ability to adapt to injuries or illnesses.
