An and-1 from Brittney Sykes secured Rose the first championship in Unrivaled history, sealing the 62-54 win over Vinyl.
After Chelsea Gray scored an Unrivaled-record 39 points in Rose’s semifinal win over Laces, Vinyl prioritized slowing down the Point Gawd. Even before sinking the game winner, Sykes stepped up, scoring a season-best 21 points. In the continued absence of Angel Reese, sidelined for the playoffs due to a hand injury, Azurá Stevens also elevated her play, posting a monster 19-point and 18-rebound double-double in the final. Yet Gray, who was named MVP of the playoffs, could not be entirely neutralized, ending the night with 18 points and eight assists for the champions.
Swish Appeal’s contributing photographer Christina Merrion was in Miami for the history-making championship, capturing Rose celebrating their win—as well as the $50,000-per-player prize:
Brittney Sykes, who hit the game-winning free throw for Rose, embraces head coach Nola Henry. Christina Merrion.
Chelsea Gray and Rose await to be presented their championship trophy. Christina Merrion.
Rose, the first-ever Unrivaled champions, raise their trophy.Christina Merrion.
While no Black woman head coach has won a WNBA championship, Henry made history in leading Rose to the first Unrivaled title. Of her club, she said, “We are a team of relentless dogs that refused to be denied.”Christina Merrion.
Gray embraces Unrivaled commissioner Mickey Lawler after accepting her playoffs MVP trophy. Gray admitted she was motivated to prove doubters wrong during the Unrivaled season, sharing after the title, “I put the work in, I do my job and then I talk after. … I want to compete and make others better. That’s always been my goal. So yeah, I had a little chip on my shoulder and also that 50K on the line.”Christina Merrion.
A’ja Wilson, Gray’s teammate with the Las Vegas Aces, was in attendance for the championship game. Christina Merrion.
Naz Hillmon joined Rose as a relief player for the playoffs and made a positive impact for the eventual champs. Christina Merrion.
Kahleah Copper celebrates with Gray during the postgame festivities. Sidelined for the stretch run and playoffs due to injury, Copper praised her teammates’ continued belief, saying, “Everyone in the locker room, we know what we are capable of. We know what we could do. And you know what we did? What did we do? No. 1. In the inaugural season.”Christina Merrion.
Hillmon and Lexie Hull pose with their Roses. Hull was a stalwart for the champions, playing in all 16 games. Christina Merrion.
Sykes raises a rose during a postgame interview. She admitted she felt “light-headed” when attempting the game-winning free throw because she had been cheering for Gray “too hard.”Christina Merrion.
An Unrivaled studio analyst for TNT, Candace Parker, a former teammate of Gray’s with the Los Angeles Sparks, gets her roses. Christina Merrion.
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