Ice Cube’s BIG3 Basketball League Redefines Hoops with Explosive 3-on-3 Showdowns including NBA Icons at Miami’s Kaseya Center.

July 23rd, 2023

The BIG3, spearheaded by hip-hop and movie icon Ice Cube, brought its electrifying basketball spectacle to the newly renamed Kaseya Center in Miami on Sunday. Packed with legendary stars from the world of basketball, the BIG3 aims to revolutionize the game while preserving its rich cultural essence.

One of the most striking aspects of the BIG3 is its court setup. Resembling street ball games witnessed in iconic American parks, the half court configuration and three-player teams bring forth a new level of speed and strategy to the game. Adding to the excitement, there are special 4-point spots beyond the 3-point line, allowing players to showcase their unique skill sets with more room to operate.

Each game is played up to 50 points, with a halftime break when the first team reaches 25 points. During the break, the entertainment is in full swing, featuring dancers, fan shooting contests, and even mini musical performances. In Miami’s Week 5, the crowd was treated to sensational performances by local rappers Trick Daddy and Trina, adding flair to the basketball extravaganza.

The league’s format ensures fans get to witness all the action with six games each week, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. To keep the games fast-paced, unique rules are in place. For shooting fouls, instead of multiple free throws, the shooter gets one shot for all the respective points, depending on the shot’s distance. Additionally, each team has one opportunity per half to opt for a one-on-one defensive challenge instead of a free throw, sparking strategic brilliance and electrifying play on the court.

Game 1 kicked off with high stakes as the Enemies (coached by Gilbert Arenas), faced the Killer 3’s (coached by Charles Oakley), with Nick “Swaggy P” Young passionately supporting his team from the sidelines. Despite Young’s absence due to an injury, the Enemies secured a victory with standout performances by Elijah Stewart (20 pts) and Jordan Crawford (16 pts, 5 ast).

Following the game Jordan Crawford discussed his experience in the BIG3, acknowledging that while the league has different rules, it still remains true to the essence of basketball. He emphasized the significance of air balls potentially leading to quick layups and the importance of avoiding turnovers in this unique format.

When asked about the one-on-one play and four-point shots in the BIG3, he expressed his appreciation for these aspects, asserting that they add depth to the game rather than being mere gimmicks. He highlighted the challenge of scoring four-pointers, emphasizing that they require skill and precision.

Regarding his training approach in the BIG3 compared to the NBA, Jordan explained that he focuses on running less of the court and prioritizes getting off quality shots. Whether going off the dribble or finding open spots, his training centers around speed and accuracy.

On the subject of the game’s difficulty, Jordan stressed that the level of basketball in the BIG3 is exceptionally high, dispelling any notion that it’s a gimmicky league. He emphasized the importance of every game and the need to perform at one’s best in each city they visit.

In Game 2, Power (coached by Nancy Lieberman), tied for first place in the league, battled the Ghost Ballers, coached by the legendary George Gervin. Led by 47-year-old captain Cuttino Mobley, Power claimed victory with impressive showings from Royce White and Glen Rice Jr., each scoring 15 points.

Following the game, Cuttino Mobley, also known as “Cat,” expressed his determination to rebound from shooting poorly last week and continue to giving his best, highlighting the importance of taking care of his body, regardless of being 47 years old.

Game 3 of the BIG3 season proved to be a star-studded affair, with household basketball names showcasing their skills on the court. The matchup featured teams 3’s Company, coached by Michael Cooper and led by Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers, against Bivouac, coached by NBA legend Gary Payton and led by Gerald Green and Corey Brewer. In an intense battle, 3’s Company emerged victorious, thanks to a dominant performance by Michael Beasley, who scored 25 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

In an exclusive interview, we caught up with the legendary Gary “The Glove” Payton to discuss the excitement of the tight game, the transition from NBA to the BIG3, coaching challenges, and his thoughts on Miami’s basketball culture and the Heat’s potential addition of Damian Lillard.

Miami’s Basketball Culture and the BIG3:
Gary Payton, affectionately known as “The Glove,” couldn’t help but express his excitement about the game and the atmosphere in Miami. He praised the fans and mentioned that Miami was a perfect choice for the BIG3 league due to its vibrant sports culture, particularly in basketball. The matchup also had players who had previous connections with the Miami Heat, making the game even more special for the fans.

Transitioning from NBA to BIG3:
When asked about how he felt about the transition from NBA to BIG3, Payton mentioned that it brought back memories of his playground days, playing three-on-three and four-on-four. However, he acknowledged that the BIG3 requires players to focus more on defense due to the half-court nature of the game. The absence of additional players to rotate on defense and the inclusion of a four-point shot also added new dimensions to the game.

The Clutch Mentality in BIG3:
Discussing the clutch mentality in the BIG3, Payton noted that it was a bit different from the NBA due to the unique playing format. In the BIG3, players have to rely more on their individual skills and stamina, and the lack of help defense makes it crucial for players to stay in great physical shape and maintain solid cardio.

Coaching in the BIG3:
Gary Payton, as a coach, emphasized the importance of dealing with player egos and building a cohesive team. He highlighted how coaching players who still aspire to be in the NBA requires a balance of tough love and guidance. Payton takes the opportunity to remind his players to focus on playing as a team rather than succumbing to individual egos.

Miami Heat’s Basketball Culture and Damian Lillard’s Potential Addition:
As a former Heat player, Payton discussed Miami’s basketball culture and praised the team’s ability to build impactful rosters, even with undrafted players. He also expressed his excitement about the possibility of Damian Lillard joining the Heat, believing that it would create a formidable team, complementing the skills of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Payton acknowledged that Lillard’s addition could elevate the Heat to become a challenging team to beat.

Game 4 witnessed an intense battle between the Ball Hogs and 3-Headed Monsters, with legend Rick Barry coaching the Ball Hogs and Reggie Theus coaching the 3-Headed Monsters. The closely contested game was ultimately sealed by Jodie Meeks’ free throw, granting the Ball Hogs a 3-2 record. Meeks finished with an impressive stat line of 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Game 5 showcased yet another set of renowned players, as Earle Clarke and Amir Johnson led Trilogy against Jason Richardson and Justin Dentmon for Tri-State. Coaching passion came from Stephen Jackson for Trilogy and legendary Julius “Dr. J” Erving for Tri-State. Although Jason Richardson wowed the crowd with a spectacular reverse alley-oop, Trilogy secured the win, elevating their record to 3-2.

The final game starred one of the league’s best teams, Triplets, led by Joe Johnson, Jeremy Pargo, and Jamario Moon, under the guidance of legendary women’s basketball star Lisa Leslie. Facing the winless Aliens (with coach Rick Mahorn), the Triplets dominated the game, with Joe Johnson’s powerful performance contributing 23 points to their triumph.

The BIG3 League’s all-encompassing entertainment captivates basketball fans of all ages, offering nonstop on-court action and engaging off-court experiences. With affordable admission prices, nearly half of an NBA game ticket, the BIG3 provides an incredible bang for your buck, showcasing six thrilling games in a single session.