The long-awaited Unrivaled League officially tipped off on January 17, immediately capturing the spotlight with its electrifying debut. Expectations were high with several players delivering standout performances during the opening week. Many anticipated that Chicago Sky star Angel Reese would dominate and establish herself as the league’s brightest star. However, her rival, from  Minnesota, stole the show.

The opening weekend of Unrivaled was nothing short of spectacular, blending elite talent and fierce competition, setting a promising tone for the league’s future as founder, Breanna Stewart, etched her name in history in the inaugural game by scoring the league’s first-ever basket.

Yet, it was Napheesa Collier who truly shined, leading her team, the Lunar Owls, to a hard-fought 84-80 victory over the Mist. Collier showcased her brilliance with a stellar performance, recording 27 points and 11 rebounds, firmly establishing herself as a star to watch in the league.

Week 1 of the Unrivaled League was packed with unforgettable performances that had fans buzzing with excitement. Napheesa Collier emerged as a dominant force, averaging an incredible 29.0 points per game across two matchups. Her leadership and scoring propelled the Lunar Owls to back-to-back victories, solidifying her reputation as one of the league’s elite players.

Meanwhile, Angel Reese made her highly anticipated debut with Rose BC. She contributed 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists, demonstrating her versatility. However, despite Reese’s efforts, Rose BC fell short, losing 79-73 to Aliyah Boston’s Vinyl BC. Reese’s performance sparked mixed reactions—while some criticized her shooting, others highlighted her defensive strength and dominance on the boards.

Olympian Rhyne Howard lit up the court with a stunning debut, dropping 33 points in her first game. Her offensive firepower was impossible to ignore, making her an instant star and a key factor in Vinyl’s success.

Skylar Diggins-Smith added her flair to the week’s excitement, delivering in clutch moments. She nailed critical three-pointers, including a game-winner in the league’s inaugural matchup, sparking the Lunar Owls’ thrilling comeback victory.

While all three players delivered remarkable performances and no signs of Reese anywhere near, it was Napheesa Collier’s consistent excellence and leadership throughout the week that set her apart. She has rightfully earned the honor as the league’s first Player of the Week, marking an unforgettable start to her Unrivaled journey.

While veteran players are making their mark on the big stage, the question remains: What’s going on with Angel Reese?

Angel Reese faces early struggles in Unrivaled

Unrivaled hasn’t quite gone as Angel Reese envisioned. The WNBA star entered the 3×3 basketball league with sky-high expectations, ready to dominate the competition. However, her rocky start has sparked conversations among fans, leaving many to question whether the Chicago Sky forward made the right call by joining this emerging league.

For Angel Reese, Unrivaled feels like déjà vu. Much like her WNBA experience, her impressive individual stats haven’t translated into wins for her team. Despite putting up 22 points, 20 rebounds, and 5 assists across two games, Reese’s team, Rose BC, remains winless with an 0-2 record.

Her most recent game against the Lunar Owls highlighted this struggle. Reese played a pivotal role, contributing 12 points, 6 rebounds, and an assist. However, her efforts weren’t enough to prevent a 79-70 loss, underscoring the challenges she faces in turning strong performances into victories for her team.

Reese’s current struggles in Unrivaled mirror her time with the Chicago Sky during the WNBA season. Despite setting impressive records for double-doubles and rebounds, her standout performances couldn’t lift the Sky, who ended the season with a disappointing 13-27 record.

Finishing 10th overall and missing the playoffs, Reese found herself in a familiar situation—delivering strong individual numbers while her team fell short of success.

Reese is adjusting to the unique demands of 3-on-3 basketball, a format she’s never played professionally before. This means both she and her team, Rose BC, are navigating a learning curve. Fortunately, they’ll have a week off before their next game against Mist BC, allowing them to continue building chemistry and refine their strategy.

Currently sitting at the bottom of the standings, Rose BC still has plenty of time to turn things around. The season is young, and once Reese and her teammates fully settle into the rhythm of the game, they’re likely to show what they’re truly capable of and start climbing the ranks.