Medley, Fla. — Satou Sabally demonstrated her impressive skills on the court, contributing as the top scorer for Unrivaled’s Phantom BC during a game at Wayfair Arena in Miami. She showcased her talent by sinking a 3-pointer at the key, racing for a loose ball moments later, and then catching her breath while heading to the bench. Sabally candidly expressed her exhaustion, stating, “I am tired,” as she began her interview on TNT.

This high-energy environment is becoming a staple in the intense and physical world of Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball, which emphasizes a fast-paced, pickup-style game. The games take place on a compact full court measuring 72 feet long and 49.2 feet wide, notably smaller than a standard WNBA court, which is 22 feet longer and slightly wider. The shot clock in this format is set at 18 seconds, providing less time than both the WNBA’s 24-second shot clock and the 30 seconds typical in college basketball.

As a result, the gameplay is characterized by relentless movement, swift passes, and continuous action. “People might assume it’s less physical due to the shorter court,” stated Kate Martin from the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries while competing for Unrivaled’s Laces BC, “but the reality is that it becomes more physical and faster-paced since every player is involved in each offensive and defensive play. There’s no room to take a break.”

In contrast to conventional 5-on-5 basketball, where not every player is required to engage in every set, Unrivaled’s smaller teams mean that each player’s involvement is crucial. Martin elaborated, explaining that someone is always impacted by screens or running around during plays. “You’re constantly moving; it just adds to the excitement, making it a notably fast and physical game. This intensity will ultimately help us improve.”

Martin reflected on the heightened physicality after her Laces team secured a tough victory against the Vinyl squad last Friday. She acknowledged that physical encounters were part of the game, noting, “Every now and then, I might get hit in the mouth, bumped on a screen, or kneed in the thigh—it’s just part of playing.”

As the competition continued into its second week, signs of fatigue were palpable among the players. During a game between Mist BC and Phantom, coach Phil Handy called for a timeout in the closing moments of the second quarter when players began showing signs of weariness. Observers noted that some athletes on the opposing team were struggling as well.

Chelsea Gray, a guard for the Las Vegas Aces now playing for Rose BC, commented, “This game puts a unique strain on your body as you’re constantly receiving hits. With just three players on the court, there’s never a moment to relax or take a play off. You have to maintain your fitness level to keep up with the pace.”

The core objective of this league is player advancement, allowing 36 WNBA athletes to refine their skills against top competition during this nine-week offseason period. Many players are striving to balance conditioning while preventing overexertion, keeping in mind that the WNBA season begins roughly two months after Unrivaled culminates with the championship on March 17.

Sabrina Ionescu, a guard for the New York Liberty now participating with Phantom, explained, “We’re in the heart of the offseason, and it’s essential to navigate the fine line between improving and avoiding burnout. I can’t get too mentally invested here as I would during the W season; otherwise, I’d exhaust myself before the official season begins.”

Ionescu mentioned she prioritized conditioning shortly after the Liberty’s triumph over Minnesota in the WNBA finals in October, intending to maintain this focus throughout Unrivaled to ensure she reaches “the best shape of my life.” She added, “This time provides an extraordinary opportunity to significantly improve our physical fitness and game techniques. You can really distinguish those who worked hard to get in shape because it shows during the relentless running, defending, and shooting on the court. It’s a real test of skill, which should enhance our individual games.”