Opinion: Minnesota Lynx Star Napheesa Collier Shows How 1-on-1 Can Fix the NBA All-Star Game

I tried to watch the NBA All-Star Game, Sunday. I really did. But after the first semifinal game to 40 points, I switched over to highlights of the 1-on-1 Unrivaled Tournament (available on Max). I was pleased to see Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier win the tournament, and doing so with defensive effort was delightful.

The $200,000 Collier won by beating Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards in 1-on-1 was the single biggest prize money in women’s basketball history. Each of Collier’s Lunar Owls got $10,000, too. The money wasn’t what made the tournament fun to watch, though. It was pride that made it quality entertainment.

NBA fans have longed for defensive effort to return to the NBA All-Star Game for decades. Hell, they’ve been waiting decades for it to be entertaining. Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier might have solved both problems with her 1-on-1 Unrivaled Tournament. You could tell the players were giving it their all. They were dripping sweat and gassed, and for good reason. The pace was grueling.

The format was very smart. They played make it, take it to a specified point total: 12 through the semis and 8 in the best-of-three finals. There was a seven-second shot clock, and players had the option to clear defensive rebounds to an outlet passer on each wing. That gave them time to catch their breath before getting open to receive the ball back for another seven-second run.

Each player had a timeout per game. Shooting fouls were awarded one free throw worth two points. Players drawing non-shooting fouls were awarded possession. Napheesa Collier was even smart about the situations in which she fouled, usually on the ground and usually to get a breather. It was a brilliant approach and an unrivaled effort.



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