Paige Bueckers made a significant impact on her debut in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, leading Breeze BC to a 69-62 victory over Phantom BC on March 18, 2024. This marked the start of the second season of Unrivaled, which has attracted prominent investors, including Serena Williams, Trae Young, and Alex Morgan. After sitting out last season to complete her collegiate career at UConn, where she secured a National Championship title, Bueckers showcased her skills in a standout performance.
In her first game, Bueckers scored an impressive 24 points, along with six assists and five rebounds. This performance allowed her to distance herself from comparisons to fellow star Caitlin Clark, who has not yet participated in the Unrivaled league. In addition to Bueckers’ contributions, teammate Rickea Jackson added 16 points, while Dominique Malonga chipped in with 15 points and 14 rebounds, marking the first win in franchise history for Breeze BC.
Following the game, Bueckers was interviewed by WNBA legend Candace Parker during TNT’s coverage of Unrivaled. Parker inquired about the transition from traditional 5-on-5 basketball to the 3-on-3 format. Bueckers highlighted the increased physicality of the game, stating, “We all know the W is physical, but Unrivaled, I feel like, is even more physical than that.” She elaborated on the unique challenges of 3-on-3 play, particularly the defensive isolation: “You’re basically on an island. So at points, you’re going to have to be okay with getting cooked, but that’s not to say you’re not going to try to just defend on an island and guard your yard.”
The victory over Phantom BC sets a positive tone for Breeze BC as they prepare for their next match. Bueckers and her team will return to the court later this week, taking on Hive BC on Friday night. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Bueckers to see how she continues to perform in this competitive league alongside some of the best female athletes in the world.
