Gone are the days when the WNBA’s offseason was quiet. Now that we have Unrivaled, social media keeps buzzing with insane plays, controversial moments, and, this time, absolutely hilarious commentary. Mist BC faced Phantom BC for the third time in the 2025 Unrivaled season on Friday. And while Mist dominated from start to finish, it was the announcers that stole the show for commenting on Sabrina Ionescu’s defense.
But before we get into that, let’s discuss what happened on the court. So, this marked the second straight win for Phil Handy’s squad against Phantom after dropping the first meeting 74-69 in late January.
Again, Breanna Stewart was on fire, finishing with 21 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, and three steals. Satou Sabally and Brittney Griner had a long night trying (and failing) to contain the two-time WNBA MVP.
Meanwhile, Jewell Loyd and Rickea Jackson combined for 38 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, ensuring Phantom never really had a shot. But Griner was the one bright spot for Phantom, putting up 24 points on an ultra-efficient 11-for-14 shooting, including two bombs from deep.
Jan 17, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Breanna Stewart (30) of the Mist collides with Allisha Gray (15) of the Lunar Owls during the second half of the Unrivaled women’s professional 3v3 basketball league at Wayfair Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Ionescu contributed 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, but she couldn’t escape the defensive critiques that seemed to follow her around like a shadow. From the get go, Mist wasted no time taking control.
After a back-and-forth start, they pulled away late in the first quarter, finishing the period up 31-21. Phantom tried to claw back in the second, but Mist wasn’t having it. The captain took charge, scoring six late points to keep her squad ahead 51-42 at the half.
Then came the third quarter beatdown—Mist outscored Phantom 26-15, putting the game away for good. The trio of Stewart, Jackson, and Loyd kept picking apart Phantom’s defense, and by the time Loyd splashed a three off a perfect dish from Stewie, it was a wrap. 88-62.
But while fans enjoyed the game, they enjoyed the commentary even more. Twitter was on fire with reactions to Unrivaled’s latest round of brutally honest (and absolutely hilarious) broadcasting.
Unrivaled announcers roast Sabrina Ionescu’s defense, fans lose it
““Sabrina wants no part of defense” had me WEAK Sabrina has been getting dragged out since Unrivaled started,” one fan commented. See, Ionescu is undeniably an A-class guard. Even in Unrivaled, she’s putting up seven rebounds per game. But somehow, the conversation about her defense just won’t go away.
First, Angel Reese accidentally blurted out on a hot mic, “Sabrina can’t f**** guard,” and then Mist coach Phil Handy kept the same energy. One fan chimed in, “Is everybody gonna call Phil Handy names cuz he said Sab doesn’t want any part of defense??? Like they did……”
Just last month, Handy had the internet buzzing when a writer tweeted his in-game comments: “You’ve got people in front of you who Can. Not. Guard.” Handy is known for his no-nonsense coaching style, and clearly, he’s not afraid to call it like he sees it. His remarks didn’t just sting—they also perfectly explained why Stewart and co. had such an easy time carving up Phantom’s defense.
““Sab wants no part of defense” is funnyyy,” added another. Fans couldn’t stop laughing at how the announcers casually roasted Ionescu’s defense like it was common knowledge. The discussion isn’t new, but every time someone calls it out, it turns into social media gold. But is it just for the laughs? Or broadcasters really feel that Sab is out here avoiding defensive possessions?
A fourth in another fun remark, ““If it don’t apply, let it fly” – @ReneeMontgomery is hilarious on the #Unrivaled broadcast on TNT. ” Former WNBA star Renee Montgomery has been thriving in her broadcasting role. Her quick wit and natural ability to keep things light had fans in stitches. This time, she delivered another classic, and people couldn’t get enough of it.
“If it don’t apply let it fly” – @ReneeMontgomery is hilarious on the #Unrivaled broadcast on TNT.
— Kelsey Nicole Nelson (KNN) (@therealknelson) March 1, 2025
Last but not the least, a user penned, “Not Stewie being called Inspector Gadget She really be out there having a time.” And if the Sabrina talk wasn’t enough, Stewart found herself at the center of another hilarious moment. The commentators dubbed her “Inspector Gadget” (an animated character equipped with various extendable gadgets) for her ridiculous ability to extend her reach and pull off plays that shouldn’t even be possible. The comparison was spot on, to say the least.
So, while this whole thing, in some way or another, makes Unrivaled a running joke, creators made it clear from the start that this league isn’t just about basketball. It’s about entertainment, and, well, in that case mission accomplished. It has been delivering the full package—and then some, entertaining all the way.
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