The excitement for Unrivaled is through the roof. Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier knew what they were doing when they created the new three-on-three basketball league. Players have raved about their experience thus far in Miami, from the facilities to the friendships they've made with other WNBA players.
The most unexpected friendship from the 2024 season is alive and well in Unrivaled. Marina Mabrey was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Connecticut Sun before the deadline. The trade immediately caught the attention of fans because it meant Mabrey and DiJonai Carrington would go from enemies to teammates.
Mabrey and Carrington are back on opposing sidelines in Miami, with the former playing for Mist BC and the latter for Phantom BC. The first game between those two clubs is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 24, but unfortunately, Mabrey won't be part of the action.
On Thursday, Unrivaled announced that Mabrey suffered a calf strain during training camp and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Per release, Marina Mabrey sustained a right calf injury. An MRI revealed a calf strain with an expected return time table of 2-4 weeks.
— Alford Corriette (@alfcorriette) January 16, 2025
Mabrey will be re-evaluated in 2 weeks and further updates will be provided. #WNBATwitter
Marina Mabrey suffers calf strain during Unrivaled training camp
The news put a damper on the league's first-ever games on Friday. Phantom, coached by Adam Harrington, will play its first game on Saturday. Mabrey's teammates — Sabrina Ionescu, Natasha Cloud, Katie Lou Samuelson, Satou Sabally, and Brittney Griner — will play without her.
This is Mabrey's second injury in a few months. She sprained her ankle in Connecticut's Game 5 loss to Minnesota but recovered before the start of Unrivaled training camp. Hopefully, Mabrey will recover from the calf strain in time to play in the second half of Unrivaled.
Phantom will miss her production in the meantime, as she averaged 14.9 points per game on 42.4% shooting from three in the second half of last season for the Sun. Mabrey's injury is slightly more tricky for Phantom, as Ionescu is also recovering from the surgery she had last month on her right thumb. However, Ionescu is cleared to play, which is especially important given Mabrey's status.
Watching Phantom at full strength will be fun, so let's hope that happens. Get well soon, Marina!