Phantom, Mist to vie for Unrivaled title after semifinal wins - ESPN

ESPN

by Alexa Philippou

March 3, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Phantom BC and Mist are set to clash in the Unrivaled championship game after each secured thrilling semifinal victories. In a highly anticipated matchup, Phantom defeated No. 6 seed Vinyl with Kelsey Plum leading the way, scoring an impressive 31 points. Meanwhile, Mist overcame a slow start and a 26-10 deficit in the first quarter to defeat fifth-seeded Breeze, with Arike Ogunbowale sealing the win with a game-winning 3-pointer. Both teams showcased resilience and skill, captivating a sellout crowd of 18,231 at Barclays Center. The semifinals were marked by adversity for both teams. Phantom faced challenges as star center Aliyah Boston was ruled out due to an injury, leaving the team without key players Satou Sabally and Dana Evans for significant portions of the season. Despite these setbacks, Phantom has managed a nine-game winning streak heading into the final. For Mist, co-founder Breanna Stewart played a pivotal role in leading her team back from a 26-10 deficit, emphasizing her leadership and hometown pride. The game carries added significance as it marks the return of the Unrivaled league to its home base in Miami for the championship, with a $600,000 prize pool on the line. The event also featured a star-studded crowd, including other league co-founders and celebrities like Ashton Kutcher and Hilary Knight. Stewart highlighted the importance of playing at their home venue, where the championship banner will be raised, adding emotional weight to the contest. This clash is not just about skill but also about overcoming challenges and delivering when it matters most. Both teams have shown remarkable resilience throughout the postseason, making this final a thrilling showdown between two formidable opponents. For

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Originally published on ESPN on 3/3/2026