In a thrilling showdown, the Laces emerged victorious over the Rose in an Unrivaled duel, with Jackie Young leading the charge. The game was a true test of mettle, as both teams entered with 3-1 records, setting the stage for an intense battle. The Laces proved their mettle, dethroning the defending champions with a final score of 70-66.
The Rose took an early lead, dominating the first half and extending their advantage to double digits by the third quarter. However, the Laces weren't about to give up without a fight. Jackie Young ignited a fiery comeback, scoring four unanswered points, followed by a three from Azurá Stevens. Naz Hillmon joined the scoring frenzy, adding five consecutive points. With Young's continued prowess and Alyssa Thomas' basket, the Laces narrowed the gap to just three points, 58-55, heading into the final quarter.
The Laces' momentum continued into the fourth, with Thomas and Young maintaining their offensive rhythm. Laces took the lead, 61-60, and then Kahleah Copper's score and foul put Rose back in front, 63-61. But Laces' defense stepped up, going on a 7-0 run, silencing Rose's attempts at a comeback. Young sealed the victory with a jumper over Stevens, securing the Laces' top spot in the Unrivaled standings. Young's heroics were undeniable, as she scored a remarkable 35 points, nearly three times more than any other teammate.
In the second game, the Hive faced a disappointing defeat at the hands of the Phantom, 71-59. The Phantom's dominance was evident from the start, with Aliyah Boston's prowess in the paint, scoring 22 points and grabbing six rebounds. Natasha Cloud also contributed six rebounds, showcasing the team's strong defensive presence. Kelsey Plum, a rookie sensation, shone brightly, scoring 20 points, hitting the game-winner, and leading with six assists.
The Hive's struggles continued, with a poor shooting performance, making only two 3-pointers and shooting a mere 16.7%. This led to a challenging offensive game, with Hive players having to fight for every basket at the rim. Despite the Hive's balanced attack, with four players in double figures, Kelsey Mitchell leading with 17 points and eight assists, the team couldn't overcome the early deficit, leaving the Hive with a single win and a tough road ahead.
