The 3-on-3 games at the Unrivaled tested every WNBA superstar in season 2. But there are a few players who still shone in both formats, exerting their offensive and defensive dominance on the floor.
Paige Bueckers, the 2025 rookie, is one of them, who earned a superstar praise from the Unrivaled Commissioner for her impact and gameplay. The player also got to find some touch challenges that she would get at the WNBA league after the season gets underway.
Interestingly, their first matchup, per the schedule, is against the Indiana Fever. PB talks about facing the Fever side, but avoids mentioning Caitlin Clark.
Paige Bueckers Praises Indiana Fever Leaving Caitlin Clark Out
The Indiana Fever became the top target for many teams after their incredible run in the 2025 season, without Clark. The player who carried the team on her back was Kelsey Mitchell. The former UConn star also sees her as a tough opponent in the matchup against the Fever side.
Talking on ‘Not Gonna Lie’ Podcast, Bueckers said, “She’s so herky-jerky, quick and unpredictable. [She has] speed and athleticism, but can shoot. Everything is tough to guard.”
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Aliyah Boston also called Mitchell the toughest one-on-one player from the WNBA on her podcast. While the former UConn star got used to the veteran Fever guard’s gameplay in Unrivaled League, she still sees that there is a lot to learn.
Yet there has been mention of Clark in the podcast as the host, Kylie Kelce, asked about the possible partnership at the Team USA games.
Paige Bueckers Talks About Playing Alongside Caitlin Clark
Fans saw PB and CC playing against each other over the years, with both carrying the load of their teams in the matchup. Though they were teammates at the U16 and U17 level international games, at the senior level, the WNBA fanbase is nearly divided into the two groups, supporting each guard.
So when playing alongside Clark came into the discussion, Bueckers said, “Me and Caitlin played together at the junior Olympic level when were young girls. It was always a fun time. We all really played well together. I still feel like we were the best U16 or U17 team ever existed.”
Paige and Caitlin team up pic.twitter.com/qBFRXgyriY
— Ken Swift (@kenswift) January 22, 2026
She added that fans will come together for the international games, though they might hate each other in the WNBA, which is in the spirit of the game.