The 2026 Unrivaled season is off to a dramatically different start for Breanna Stewart and the Miami Mist, and it’s impossible not to feel the shift in momentum. Gone are the days of last season’s struggles, where the team stumbled to an 0-4 start before missing the playoffs entirely. Now, with a revamped roster and a renewed sense of purpose, the Mist are sitting pretty at 2-0, eyeing a perfect 3-0 start against the Phantom on Monday night (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT/truTV). But here’s where it gets intriguing: Stewart, the team’s cornerstone, isn’t just relying on her own heroics this time around. While her 3-point shot remains a work in progress (0-for-7 from deep so far), she’s surrounded by a supporting cast that’s firing on all cylinders. Allisha Gray, the former Lunar Owl, has been nothing short of sensational, dropping 28 points in a nail-biting win over the Laces and following it up with a 21-point, nine-rebound performance in the opener. And let’s not forget Unrivaled newcomer Veronica Burton, whose all-around contributions have been a revelation. But here’s the real game-changer: Mist’s depth is so impressive that head coach Zack O’Brien felt confident enough to shuffle his starting lineup in their second game, inserting Alanna Smith and Arike Ogunbowale for Gray and Burton. This level of optionality—coupled with a shared commitment to winning—is what makes Mist a force to be reckoned with. Yet, the Phantom aren’t pushovers. Off to a 1-1 start, they’ve already shown they’re a far cry from last season’s bottom-dwelling squad. Kelsey Plum’s arrival has been nothing short of transformative, as she torched the Lunar Owls for 38 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds in just her second Unrivaled game. Aliyah Boston has also found her stride, averaging a double-double with 39 points, 17 rebounds, and eight assists across the first two games. With Tiffany Hayes and Natasha Cloud providing defensive tenacity and offensive spark, Phantom is more than capable of handing Mist their first loss. But here’s the controversial part: While Phantom looks formidable, Mist’s emerging core of Stewart, Gray, and Burton—coupled with Smith’s ability to neutralize Boston—suggests they’ll find a way to grind out a 3-0 start. Speaking of grinding, the Lunar Owls are in a world of hurt. Once the standard-bearers of Unrivaled’s inaugural season, they’re now a shadow of their former selves. With Napheesa Collier out for the season and Skylar Diggins sidelined, the Owls have become overly reliant on Marina Mabrey, whose high-volume, low-efficiency offense isn’t cutting it. And this is the part most people miss: The Owls desperately need an in-season trade—something Unrivaled has never seen before. But what would that even look like? Do they need a defensive anchor? A secondary scorer? Fire up your mythical trade machine and share your ideas on The Feed (https://www.swishappeal.com/post/yVH19S6DMp8o). Because one thing’s for sure: their current strategy is a recipe for disaster, especially against a defensive juggernaut like the Laces (8:45 p.m. ET, TNT/truTV). With Jackie Young, Alyssa Thomas, and Brittney Sykes leading the charge, the Laces are poised to smother Mabrey and exploit the Owls’ disjointed defense. Unless something drastic changes, this one could get ugly—fast. So, here’s the burning question: Can the Lunar Owls salvage their season, or are they destined for another year of disappointment? And for Mist and Phantom, who’s truly the contender here? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is just getting started.
