Posts in category: Sports

BIG3 BRINGS HOT SHOTS AND ENTERTAINMENT TO THE ATL

– Hometown Favorites Joe Johnson and Josh Smith Return to Downtown Atlanta –

– Battle of the Unbeatens Live Up to the Hype as Killer 3s Deal First Loss to 3 Headed Monsters –

– Defending Champions Power Stunned by Trilogy –

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Atlanta – July 7, 2019 – State Farm Arena

• Joe Johnson (26 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast) and Josh Smith (22 pts, 9 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk) bring fireworks back to Atlanta; Johnson’s Triplets roar back to remain undefeated on the season.
• Killer 3s Captain Stephen Jackson (22 pts, 6 reb) hits game winner in epic matchup with 3 Headed Monster’s to continue undefeated season.
• Glen “Big Baby” Davis launches his jersey and game shorts into the crowd after getting ejected early into Power’s surprising loss.
• Atlanta Hawk legend Dominique Wilkins in attendance for Sunday’s slew of insane matchups.
• Atlanta rap star Yung Joc performs classic hit “It’s Goin Down” during halftime of Trilogy vs Power.
• 12,102 fans experience electric atmosphere to conclude Week 3 games.

Getty Images: Week 3 in Atlanta

Game Recaps:

Bivouac 45 (1-2) vs Triplets 51 (3-0)

Video Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZAcEKvEezU

It was a homecoming for former Atlanta Hawks stars Joe Johnson and Josh Smith. “Iso” Joe came into Week 3 as the BIG3’s second leading scorer, averaging 23 points a game, but it was Smith who brought the early energy, scoring 19 in the first half to help Bivouac take a 25-14 lead at the break.

During the postgame press conference, Hall of Fame Legend Lisa Leslie said, “You learn the most about people during tough times and we were in a tough situation”. The Triplets clearly took their coach’s words to heart, steadily chipping away at a 12-point deficit, getting key contributions from Chris Johnson and Alan Anderson. Ultimately, Johsnon’s explosive game would prove to be too much for Bivouac, as the former Atlanta Hawk added to his MVP-calibur campaign with 24 of his teams 37 points in the second half to keep the Triplet’s undefeated season alive.

Top Performers:

Bivouac                                                           Triplets

Josh Smith 22 pts, 9 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk                   Joe Johnson 26 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast

C.J. Leslie 11 pts, 6 reb                                     Alan Anderson 11 pts, 4 reb

                                                                        Chris Johnson 10 pts, 5 reb

Bivouac drops to (1-2); Triplets remain undefeated at (3-0)

Killer 3s 51 (3-0) vs 3 Headed Monsters 48 (2-1)

Video Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY3_CVe5sws

The second game of the night featured a battle of unbeatens, as Charles the “King of New York” Oakley’s Killer 3s put their perfect season on the line against Gary “The Glove” Payton’s 3 Headed Monsters.

As expected, the contest proved to be a physical matchup from the early going. Led by NBA Champion and Captain Stephen “Stak” Jackson, Killer 3s went on an 11-2 run to take a small 25-21 lead into the half.  

Refusing to go down easy, 16-year NBA veteran and 3 Headed Monsters’ Captain Rashard Lewis put his squad on his shoulders, accounting for his teams’ first 10 points coming out of the break. Mario Chalmers showed his championship mentality, pouring in bucket after bucket to bring 3 Headed Monsters within one late. Ultimately, Chalmers’ late game heroics would not be enough as the shifty Frank “Nitty” Sessions impressed with several spectacular drives to close out the victory for Killer 3s.

Top Performers:

Killer 3’s                                                                      3 Headed Monsters

Stephen Jackson 22 pts, 6 reb                           Rashard Lewis 16 pts, 9 reb

Donte Green 13 pts, 3 reb                                              Mario Chalmers 16 pts, 4 reb

Franklin Session 10 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast

Killer 3’s roll to (3-0); 3 Headed Monsters slip to (2-1)

Trilogy 50 (1-2) vs Power 43 (2-1)

Video Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDuh0O8YM-Y

Sunday’s final game was a true testament to the excitement and balanced competition BIG3 brings every week.

Seeking its first win, Trilogy pulled away early en route to handing defending BIG3 Champions Power its first defeat.

After allowing Power to score the game’s first basket, Trilogy went on an 11-0 run and never looked back. Nancy Lieberman’s side was hobbled after a first half ejection to Glen Davis, who gave his uniform and positive energy to the crowd, and a second half injury to MVP candidate Cuttino Mobley.

Amplified by inspired performances from David Hawkins and Patrick O’Bryant, Trilogy kept the pressure on to secure a much needed win.

Top Performers:

Trilogy                                                                      Power

David Hawkins 21 pts, 4 reb                               Julian Wright 17 pts, 8 reb

Patrick O’Bryant 14 pts, 9 reb                             Chris Andersen 12 pts, 4 reb

James White 11 pts, 8 reb

Trilogy rises to (1-2); Power drops to (2-1)

STARS SHINE AS BIG3 BRINGS PRO BASKETBALL TO BIRMINGHAM

– Alabama Native Jamario Moon and UAB Alum Robert Vaden Make Return 

to Their Sweet Home –

– Big Men Greg Oden & Amar’e Stoudemire Dominate the Paint –

– Tri State and Aliens Grab First Wins on Season, as 3’s Company and 

Ball Hogs Still Playing for Wins –

Birmingham, Ala. – July 6, 2019

Highlights:

·      Amar’e Stoudemire looked NBA-ready, putting on a dominant display (22 pts, 9-of-15 shooting and 9 reb) and leading Tri State to its first win. 

·      2019 expansion team Aliens cruised to their first BIG3 victory behind impressive, physical play from big men Greg Oden and Ryan Hollins. 

·      Craig Smith leads all scorers on the day with 23 points, propelling Enemies to their second win on the season.

·      Rap artist Ugly Money Niche performed live at halftime. 

·      Attendance tonight inside Legacy Arena (BJCC) was 8,351.

·      In Week 4, BIG3 will make stops in Rhode Island on Saturday (Dunkin Donuts Center, beginning at 5:00 PM ET) Brooklyn on Sunday (Barclays Center, beginning at 12:00 PM ET) as Amar’e Stoudemire (Tri State), Nate Robinson (Tri State) and Coach Kenyon Martin (Trilogy) will make their returns to the area. 

Getty Images:Week 3 in Birmingham

Game Recaps:

Tri-State 50 (1-2) vs 3’s Company 44 (0-3)

Video Highlights:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1JPEygRW3Q 

The opening game at the Legacy Arena featured two teams searching for their first win of the season. Tri-State held a slim halftime lead at 25-22, capitalizing off 14 first half points from Amar’e Stoudemire.

Not surprisingly, this game was very physical, but both teams struggled from the free throw line. The second half saw Tri-State jump out to a 12-0 run, featuring a 4-point shot from Nate Robinson. Late in the game, with 3’s Company mounting a comeback, Tri-State put together a couple of defensive stands to hold on for their first victory.

Top Performers:

Tri State                                                                      3’s Company

Amar’e Stoudamire: 22 pts, 9 reb                                Andre Emmett: 21 pts, 13 rebs

Jason Richardson: 14pts, 9 reb                                   Jason Maxwell: 10 pts, 6 reb

Nate Robinson: 10 pts (one 4-point), 4 reb, 3 ast

Tri State improves to (1-2); 3’s Company falls to (0-3)

Ball Hogs 39 (0-3) vs Aliens 51 (1-2)

Video Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wlULTRlxgA 

2019 Expansion team Aliens got their first BIG3 victory on Saturday. Former No. 1 NBA Draft pick Greg Oden proved to be a matchup problem for the Ball Hogs as he powered his way to 18 points.

Nate Archibald’s Aliens team looked hungry to finish this week after surrendering two large leads in the first weeks of the season. The Ball Hogs, despite 20 points from Deshawn Stevenson and a second half surge, could not finish the comeback.

Top Performers:

Aliens                                                             Ball Hogs

Greg Oden 18 pts, 4 reb                                 Deshawn Stevenson 20 pts, 8 reb

Brandon Rush 13 pts, 12 reb                          Will McDonald 10 pts, 9 reb

Aliens improve to (1-2); Ball Hogs stay winless at (0-3)

Ghost Ballers 35 (2-1) vs Enemies 51 (2-1)

Video Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRQYr3cTtxw 

The final matchup of the evening started off with fireworks as both teams traded early game runs. Rick Mahorn’s star-laden Enemies were able to pull away just before the half playing “old school” ball with 20 points in the paint, including14 from Craig Smith.

After looking like the second half was going to be a blowout, Ghost Ballers’ Ricky Davis dazzled with some impressive isolation drives and Mike Taylor nailed two 4-point attempts – refusing to let their team go down without a fight. “Agent Zero” Gilbert Arenas got the hibachi cooking, knocking down four 3-point shots in the second half to defeat the Ghost Ballers.

Top Performers:

Ghost Ballers                                                 Enemies

Ricky Davis: 13 pts, 4 reb                                Craig Smith: 23 pts, 8 reb

Mike Taylor: 10 pts, 5 reb                                 Gilbert Arenas: 12 pts, 5 reb

Ghost Ballers slip to (2-1); Enemies move to (2-1)

BIG3 BRINGS THE LOVE BACK TO PHILADELPHIA WITH

GRITTY GAMES AND BUZZER BEATERS

– Tri-State Coach and Local Legend Julius “Dr. J” Irving Returns to Take on Hometown Hero Cuttino Mobley and the Defending Champions – 

– LL Cool J, John Calipari and Sonny Hill Take in the Hard-Nosed Competition–

– Mike Taylor and the Ghost Ballers Rally Back with a Gutsy Performance to

Remain Undefeated –

– 3 Headed Monsters’ Reggie Evans Adds to His League-Leading Rebounds and Steals Totals –

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PHILADELPHIA – June 30, 2019

• Cuttino Mobley scores 23 points and the game winner in front of his hometown of Philadelphia to lead the unbeaten Power. The reigning champions are one of three teams to improve to 2-0 on the season.
  
• Ghost Ballers, led by 20-point outings from Ricky Davis and Jamario Moon, improved to 2-0 after an intense matchup with Josh Smith and Bivouac.
  
• Special guests this evening included LL Cool J, Philadelphia great Sonny Hill and University of Kentucky head basketball coach John Calipari, who shared that the BIG3 is great for the game of basketball and that “The Players Association, even the NBA should be involved in this.”
  
• In Week 3, BIG3 will make stops in Birmingham on Saturday (Legacy Arena, beginning at 12:00 PM ET) where the ghost Ballers look to stay undefeated and Atlanta on Sunday (State Farm Arena, beginning at 1:00 PM ET) where the 3 Headed Monsters and Killer 3s will put their unbeaten records on the line.
  
• Today’s games aired Live on CBS Sports Network.
  

Getty Images: Week 2 in Philadelphia

Game Recaps:

Bivouac 46 (1-1) vs Ghost Ballers 51 (2-0)

Video Highlights: https://vimeo.com/345355922/1c1f931f54

Game Summary:

The opening game at Liacouras Center featured the “Battle of the Unbeatens” as expansion team Bivouac took on Ghost Ballers.

Bivouac and Ghost Ballers are coached by former NBA greats Reggie Theus and NBA Hall of Famer George “Iceman” Gervin, respectively, and it showed in the teams’ scrappiness and stellar defensive play.

Ricky Davis (20 points) got the Ghost Ballers off to a fast start as he scored 18 of the teams’ first 26 points. Bivouac used a combination of Josh Smith (10 pts, 7 reb) and Will Bynum (17 pts) to help claw back after a slow start. The duo scored 19 of the team’s first 23 points and contributed to a 9-0 run late in the first half.

The teams continued their back-and-forth intensity in the second half, quickly trading early buckets.  Safeguarding a one point lead, Bynum blew past Mike Taylor (10 pts) with a smooth, highlight-real iso from the top of the key. Taylor remained focused, hitting back-to-back shots and creating several Bivouac turnovers.

Smith helped keep Bivouac in the game late with a few, key defensive stops. After a couple of missed opportunities, Jamario Moon (21 pts, 9 reb) pulled out the victory with an easy put back.

Bivouac falls to (1-1); the Ghost Ballers stay unbeaten at (2-0)

Aliens 44 (0-2) vs 3 Headed Monsters 50 (2-0)

Video Highlights: https://vimeo.com/345363229/759106fe6f

Game Summary:

In Game 2, the Aliens looked to grab their first franchise win as they tackled perennial BIG3 playoff team 3 Headed Monsters.

Similar to Week 1, the Aliens exploded out of the gate going on a 12-0 run led by Brandon Rush (15 pts, 6 rebs) who scored 13 points in the first half to enter the break up 25-17.

Hall of Fame Coach Gary “The Glove” Payton didn’t pull any punches during his halftime interview saying the 3 Headed Monsters simply lacked energy in the first half. 

Looking to crank up the fire early in the second half, the Aliens turned to their big man Greg Oden (5 pts, 4 rebs) to establish a low post presence after a lackluster first half which saw him sent to the bench after two early fouls.

With key contributions from Rashard Lewis (18 pts, 8 rebs), Reggie Evans (10 pts, 9 rebs), and Larry Sanders (8 pts, 10 rebs), 3 Headed Monsters answered their coaches’ challenge whittling down the deficit and bringing their team to a game point with a 47-44 lead.

Lewis has nothing but a game-winner on his mind as he nailed a clutch 3-pointer to close out a 14-0 run and secure a 50-44 victory to move his team to 2-0 on the season.

Aliens remain winless (0-2); Ghost Ballers stay unbeaten (2-0)

Tri-State 43 (0-2) vs Power 51 (2-0)

Video Highlights: https://vimeo.com/345368832/77ce85c89b

Game Summary:

Number 6, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, made his return to Philadelphia as his Tri-State squad locked horns with fellow basketball legend Nancy Lieberman and defending champions, Power.

It was an early “Battle of the Big Men” as Tri-State’s Amar’e Stoudamire (18 pts, 6 rebs) and Power’s Glen “Big Baby” Davis (10 pts, 5 rebs) came out hot. Cuttino Mobley added to the action and put on a show in his hometown, scoring nine points in the first half and pacing the Power to a 25-20 lead.

After surrendering a quick six points to open the second frame, Tri-State’s Nate Robinson (12 pts) single-handedly kept his team in the game, showing off athleticism and grit with a few nice finishes at the rim. First year BIG3 player Yakhouba Diawara (9 pts, 9 rebs) also added to the mounting comeback, grabbing several offensive boards and knocking down open shots.

First-year player Mychel Thompson continued to find ways to contribute to his team, chipping in  6 points while pulling down 11 rebounds. Thompson found Mobley (23 pts, 7 rebs) down low with a mismatch against Robinson for the game-winning assist to close out the contest.

Tri-State falls to (0-2); Power remains unbeaten at (2-0)

BIG3 BASKETBALL RETURNS TO QUEEN CITY FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2017

– Triplets Continue Unbeaten Season Behind Another 20+ Point Joe Johnson Performance –

– Gilbert Arenas Makes BIG3 Debut, Helps Lead 2019 Expansion Team Enemies to 13-Point Comeback Win –

– Charlotte Crowd Treated to Strong Performances from Stephen Jackson, Al Jefferson and Jannero Pargo –

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – June 29, 2019

• The BIG3 returned to Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday afternoon – marking the league’s first visit since Week 2 of the inaugural season of 2017.
• Local favorites Stephen Jackson (22 pts on 8-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-5 from 3-point range and 1-of-1 from 4-point range), Al Jefferson (14 pts, 5 reb) and Jannero Pargo (6 pts, 3 reb, 4 ast) scored wins in their returns to Charlotte.
• Triplets continued their unbeaten, debut campaign behind another impressive performance from Joe Johnson (20 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast and one game-icing 4-point shot). Lisa Leslie’s squad improved to 2-0 on the year, topping the Trilogy (0-2), 51-41.
• Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas made a strong BIG3 debut, helping the Enemies score its first win. The expansion team put together 37 points in the second half to secure a 13-point comeback victory.
• Next week, the BIG3 will visit Birmingham, Ala. on Saturday (Legacy Arena at the BJCC, beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET) and Atlanta (State Farm Arena, beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET). All games will broadcast live on CBS and CBS Sports Network.

Getty Images Link: https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/big3?agreements=pa:53674&events=775356075&family=editorial&page=2&phrase=big3&sort=newest#license

Game Recaps:

Triplets (51, 2-0) vs. Trilogy (41, 0-2)

Video Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DIrTUWJL4Y

The Triplets’ (2-0) focus on ball movement and quality shooting resulted in another winning performance Saturday afternoon. Leading the way was team captain Joe Johnson, who worked through frequent double teams to put up another solid performance (20 pts, 8 reb and 5 ast). Former Bobcat and Hornet Al Jefferson helped build upon the Triplet’s inside out game with 14 points.

Johnson scored the team’s final eight points, including a major 4-pointer that put any Trilogy comeback hopes to bed.

Trilogy, despite the loss, put together a solid effort, shooting 54.8% from the field. They were led by stellar offensive play from James White, who scored 18 points and added six rebounds. DeShawn Stevenson contributed 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals).

Triplets are now (2-0); Trilogy is now (0-2)

Ball Hogs (45, 0-2) vs Enemies (50, 1-1)

Video Highlights: https://youtu.be/tzREQDE6t2E

The second game of the day proved to be a tale of two halves. At the end of the first, the Ball Hogs – paced by a dominating performance from big man Will McDonald (27 pts and 11 reb) – held a 26-13 lead over Enemies. Coach Rick Barry and company eventually lost momentum when their first-year opponents, led by Craig Smith (21 pts and 4 reb), put together a 20-2 second half run.

Three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas (13 pts and three reb) scored the winning points for his new team. His late, 2-point free throw was enough to seal the deal for the squad’s impressive comeback win. Frank Robinson (8 pts and 11 reb) and Royce White (10 pts, 8 reb and 2 ast), who was ejected early into his BIG3 debut last week, added to the effort.

Ball Hogs are now (0-2); Enemies are now (1-1)

Killer 3s (50, 2-0) vs 3’s Company (32, 0-2) 

Video Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AfZ_v3a7hs

Killer 3s built upon its close Week 1 victory with a blowout win Saturday afternoon. The team lived up to their namesake, hitting six 3-pointers in the 18-point win. They improved to 2-0, behind 22 points from former Charlotte Bobcat Stephen Jackson (3-of-6 behind the arc, including a 4-point play), and the crafty playmaking ability of CJ Watson.

Killer 3s started to take things over just before halftime, beginning with a corner three from CJ Watson that gave them a 27-19 lead at the break. Several 3-point shots from Watson and a 4-point shot from Jackson allowed Coach Charles Oakley to get his bench involved and help close things out. Franklin Sessions would eventually seal the deal with a 3-pointer.

Drew Gooden and Andre Emmett each scored 10 points for 3’s Company.

Killer 3s are now (2-0); 3’s Company is now (0-2)

NEXT WEEK’S MATCHUPS

• Saturday 7/6 (Birmingham, Ala.): 3’s Company vs. Tri-State, Aliens vs. Ball Hogs, Enemies vs. Ghost Ballers
• Sunday 7/7 (Atlanta): 3 Headed Monsters vs. Killer 3s, Power vs. Trilogy, Triplets vs. Bivouac