Ten weeks of 2019 Big 3 action is in the books, and it has all come down to one more match up to decide who will be the 2019 Big 3 champion. A new champion will be crowned next Sunday in Los Angeles, as defending champion Power were knocked off by the Killer 3s in one of today's semi-final match ups from New Orleans. Meeting the 3s in the Finals will be the 1-seeded Triplets, who took care of the 3 Headed Monsters in the other semi-final on Sunday. In the 5th place game, Bivouac defeated 3s Company.
Semi-Final #1: Killer 3s Defeat Power 50-42
In one of two semi-final match ups, the Killer 3s - who finished the season at 5-3 - handed the defending champion Power their 3rd straight loss, ensuring that a new Big 3 champion will be crowned next week for the 3rd straight year.
With Trilogy winning in the Big 3's inaugural season, and Power last season, the Killer 3s' 8-point win not only means that there will be a new team taking home the title this year, but also continues parity in a type of league where parity can only help it grow.
The 3s held a five point edge at the half - 26-21 - and were able to stave off Power in the second half by 3, 24-21. The 3s had a balanced attack in the game - something that was a key for them entering the contest - with three players in double figures. Stephen Jackson had 13 points and 6 rebounds - including 3 three point makes - CJ Watson had 13 points and 7 rebounds, and Donte Greene added 12 points and 5 rebounds. They were also aided by 8 points from guard Franklin Session.
On the Power side, reigning MVP Corey Maggette struggled, scoring just 9 points on 3 made field goals. Glen Davis was their leading scorer, with 12 points, and Jeremy Pargo - who had 16 points last week - scored 10, bringing a strong effort off of last week. Quentin Richardson, one of the league's top 3-point threats, made just 1 on the day in totaling just 7 points, while forward Julian Wright was held in check scoring just 4 points with 4 rebounds. Big man Carlos Boozer did not play.
The Killer 3s' two big advantages in the game came by way of rebounding - as they out-rebounded Power 24-18, and threes - as they hit on 4 three pointers to Power's 1. The win sets up an intriguing match up with the Triplets. While the Triplets have the MVP favorite in Joe Johnson, the 3s have what bothers the Triplets (quick guards), and have, as shown, three players (Jackson, Watson, Greene) who can be counted on to score in double digits. Improving their record to 6-3 over the course of the nine games that they have played this season by winning their second straight game, the 3s have momentum going into the championship game, which bodes well for them.
Semi-Final #2: Triplets Defeated 3 Headed Monsters 50-39
The team that has consistently looked like the Big 3's best team in 2019 will have the opportunity to validate that status as they will play for a championship next Sunday after winning their semi-final match up against the 3 Headed Monsters by 11 points.
Joe Johnson was once again the dominant force in the game, scoring 26 points on 8 made field goals, with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Big man Al Jefferson chipped in by hitting double figures with 10 points.
On the 3 Headed Monsters' side, Rashard Lewis struggled - something that they could not afford - scoring just 6 points. Mario Chalmers led his team with 14, while Reggie Evans scored 12. Though rebounds were even in the game at 17, Evans managed just 2 and certainly could've helped his team with a better rebounding output. Larry Sanders, a big shot blocking presence, did not tally a block in the game, and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was held scoreless. Rodney Carney made his debut with the team, scoring 3 points.
The Triplets head into the championship game having lost just one game all season, by 3 points. Johnson has been great all season, and will need to be for one more game as they look to win the championship over a Killer 3s team that matches up well. With a wing scorer in Stephen Jackson and good guard play, the 3s will put pressure on the Triplets. If the Triplets are to win, they will need solid games from players not named Johnson, as him carrying the load once again will not be enough to win them the title. The title game in Los Angeles promises to be a great one that will deliver a very exciting and competitive affair.
5th Place Game: Bivouac Takes Care of 3s Company 50-36
The expansion Bivouac, narrowly missing out on the playoffs this year in their first Big 3 season, defeated 3s Company handily on Sunday to secure 5th place.
Bivouac dominated the boards 34-22 - including 11 from point guard Will Bynum - on their way to the win. They jumped out to a 10-point lead at the half, 25-15, and used a potent offensive attack in addition to their strong rebounding effort. Josh Smith and CJ Leslie also had 11 rebounds a piece, with Smith scoring 16 points and Leslie scoring 14. Bivouac had a 7-2 advantage in 3-pointers made, with three coming from Bynum and two each from Smith and Shawne Williams.
On the 3s Company side, they did not get strong games from anyone outside of lead dog Andre Emmett, who had a solid double double with a game-high 18 points and 11 rebounds. Drew Gooden, Dahntay Jones, and DerMarr Johnson could only muster 18 points between the three of them - 6 each - as Emmett was the lone player to have a good game for his squad. Dijon Thompson and Jason Maxiell were scoreless, with Maxiell managing just 1 rebound. In order to have been competitive in the game, they needed, in part, a stronger rebounding output from him.
The 5th place finish for Bivouac is a good first step for an expansion team that things look positive for from here on out. They have a good coach in Reggie Theus, a lead guard in Will Bynum who is tough to guard, a shooter in Anthony Morrow, and an all-purpose type player in Josh Smith. Those core three are essential players in 3 on 3 basketball, and bringing their core back bodes well for their future.
The Triplets and Killer 3s are two teams that have had different paths to the title game. the Triplets have been the favorite all season, while the 3s starting fast, stalled, and then picked it up again as the season drew to a close. The title game is a clash of two experienced players turned coaches - Lisa Leslie and Charles Oakley - and two teams that boast former NBA All-Stars. It is bound to be one of the best, if not the best, game of the 2019 Big 3 season.
The action starts next Sunday from Staples Center at 3pm Eastern, with Power and the 3 Headed Monsters colliding for the right to be the 3rd place finisher, followed up by the title game between the league's two top seeds.
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