Breanna Stewart was the standout player Wednesday night as she guided the Mist to an 80-74 triumph against the Phantom in the 2026 Unrivaled championship game at Sephora Arena in South Florida. Stewart’s dominant performance earned her the Finals MVP title, as she scored 32 points and secured four rebounds while shooting 11-for-15 from the field, cementing her impact throughout the game.
Mist Overcomes Past Challenges to Seize Title
Despite entering as the No. 2 seed and having lost both regular-season matchups against the top-seeded Phantom, the Mist took control following halftime with Stewart leading the charge. The 31-year-old opened the third quarter by contributing the first 12 points for her team, including a 10-0 personal scoring stretch featuring a hook shot, a three-pointer, an and-one against Kiki Iriafen, and a layup set up by Veronica Burton. This surge helped the Mist build their largest halftime lead of six points early in the third quarter.
Explaining Unrivaled’s Distinctive Game Format
The Unrivaled league uses a unique structure where games are played three-on-three on a full 72-foot court, with a rapid 18-second shot clock and quarters lasting seven minutes each. After three quarters, the contest shifts to an untimed target score format, adding 11 points to the leading team’s score. The Mist entered the last period ahead 68-62; the first team to reach 79 points would then claim the championship.
Close Contest Features Record-Breaking Performances
The game remained tightly contested throughout, with the teams tied at 24 points after the first quarter and again at 43 points by halftime. Kelsey Plum led the Phantom’s offense, scoring 18 of their 24 first-quarter points with impressive shooting accuracy, including four three-pointers. Plum finished with an unprecedented 40 points on 14-of-21 shooting, including six three-pointers, while also adding six rebounds and five assists. Her total set a new record for playoff scoring in the Unrivaled league. Kiki Iriafen contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds for Phantom, while Tiffany Hayes added 12 points.
Supporting Cast Steps Up Alongside Stewart
The Mist received significant contributions alongside Stewart’s efforts. Arike Ogunbowale scored 19 points off the bench, while Allisha Gray added 12 points, helping maintain the team’s balance and depth throughout the contest.
Critical Moment Secures Championship for Mist
A decisive turning point arrived late in the game when an initially called offensive foul on Stewart was overturned after review, reclassified as a defensive block, which awarded her a crucial free throw with the Mist trailing by only one point from winning. Stewart calmly sank the free throw, clinching the championship for her team.
Prize Money Reflects Growing Stakes in the League
Each player on the Mist will receive $100,000 from the $600,000 championship pool, doubling the $50,000 prize that last season’s winners earned, highlighting the increasing rewards within the Unrivaled competition.
Stewart’s Accomplishments Continue to Mount
Co-founder of Unrivaled alongside Napheesa Collier, Stewart added yet another significant achievement to her decorated career. Her accolades now include four NCAA titles at UConn, three WNBA championships, three Olympic gold medals, three World Cup golds, and two EuroLeague titles, further solidifying her status in women’s basketball history.
“It was everything we worked for. This win shows our grit and heart.”?Breanna Stewart, Mist player
“Breanna’s leadership made the difference in the second half; she carried us.”?Veronica Burton, Mist player
“Kelsey gave us everything, but tonight Breanna was unstoppable.”?Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled co-founder
Breanna Stewart has been named Unrivaled's Finals MVP 🏆pic.twitter.com/zgHTsvksuP
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 5, 2026
