Dearica Hamby's name is now etched in the history books! The Los Angeles Sparks forward has just achieved an incredible feat in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, and it's definitely worth taking note of. Hamby, representing the Vinyl Club, became the first player ever to score a staggering 40 points in a single game. And get this – she did it in a mere 17 minutes of play, with an impressive shooting record of 16 out of 23 attempts! That's what you call efficiency.
Alongside her record-breaking points, Hamby also contributed with 10 rebounds – including 4 offensive rebounds – and 2 assists. This stellar performance propelled the Vinyl (with a record of 1 win and 2 losses) to a commanding 89-66 victory over the Hive Club (who are still searching for their first win, with a record of 0 wins and 3 losses).
The Vinyl's victory was further fueled by strong performances from other team members. Rhyne Howard contributed 18 points, Erica Wheeler added 14 points, and Courtney Williams scored 12 points.
On the other side, the Hive Club fought hard, with Sonia Citron and Monique Billings each scoring 17 points, Kelsey Mitchell adding 15 points, and Ezi Magbegor contributing 12 points.
Hamby attributes her exceptional performance to her team's effective ball movement.
"We always talk about how we have a really special group, where everybody can score the ball at a high level. Tonight, the pick-and-roll was just there… I finish well at the basket," she explained.
Vinyl head coach Theresa Weatherspoon was full of praise for Hamby, highlighting her impact on the team.
"She actually creates those things that are happening on the floor, because she’s the ultimate teammate," Weatherspoon said. "She sets those screens for a guard to get open… she has great vision."
But here's where it gets interesting: Hamby's success in the WNBA is clearly translating to Unrivaled.
Unrivaled, the professional women’s basketball league co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, has just wrapped up its first week of its second season. The league is packed with some of the WNBA's top talent, including stars like Paige Bueckers, Kelsey Plum, Allisha Gray, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston, among others.
At 32 years old, Hamby is playing some of the best basketball of her career. During her third season with the Los Angeles Sparks, she averaged 18.4 points per game, with an impressive 57.2% shooting accuracy – both career highs. Hamby is a three-time All-Star (2021, 2022, and 2024) and a two-time Sixth Woman of the Year (2019 and 2020).
And this is the part most people miss... Hamby’s impressive form from the WNBA has seamlessly transitioned to Unrivaled. Currently, she stands as the league’s third-leading scorer, trailing only Chelsea Gray, who is averaging a remarkable 31.7 points per game.
"She’s added a lot to her game," Weatherspoon noted. "She’s incredibly confident. So of course she’s going to have a night like this — and many nights to come."
Could this be a sign of a new era in women's basketball? What do you think about Hamby's performance and the rise of leagues like Unrivaled? Share your thoughts in the comments below – are you excited to see where the league and Hamby’s career will go next?
