The BIG3 tipped off this past Saturday and week one surely lived up to the hype coming into the 2024 season. There were a lot of stellar performances throughout the six-game slate, including a handful of 20-point performances. As the quality of play increases each year, so does interest and that was the case for week one as, at one point, over 4.5 million people watched the live broadcasts on X. That is an extraordinary number and one would think it will rise even more as the season progresses. With the opening day of BIG3 Basketball in the books, let’s have a look back at some of the impressive performances throughout the league.
BIG3 Basketball: Top Week 1 Performances
Isaiah Briscoe (Trilogy)
Week 1 stats: 25 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Trilogy didn’t get the win, just falling short in a 52-47 loss to Bivouac, but Isaiah Briscoe did everything in his power to prevent it. He led all players in week one with 25 points. He also gathered seven rebounds with four assists. Briscoe contributed on the defensive end of the court, adding two steals and a block. A double-double from Earl Clark to go along with four steals also fueled this performance from Briscoe. Isaiah is back healthy and games like this will only multiply if he stays that way.
Joe Johnson (Triplets)
Week 1 stats: 22 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
There’s no surprise that Joe Johnson is on this list. He won his third MVP last season and is a strong candidate to repeat yet again as he did in 2019 and 2021. Despite the Triplets’ 50-44 loss to the defending champs, he was able to put up a great performance with 22 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. He also added a steal on the defensive end. Iso Joe finished the 2023 campaign second in points and rebounds and judging by his stats this week, he will be challenging to rival those numbers again in 2024.
Mike Taylor (Ghost Ballers)
Week 1 stats: 21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists
Despite the loss of Jonathan Simmons before the season, Mike Taylor came out and showed that he can step up and lead the Ghost ballers as he has in the past. He put up a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. With Simmons out, that just means the duo of Taylor and Chris Johnson can take over the league as they once did before.
Donte Green (Killer 3’s)
Week 1 stats: 20 points, 15 rebounds, 2 blocks
There have been a few double-doubles posted in week one but none more impressive than Donte Green‘s. He put up 20 points to go along with 15 rebounds and added 2 blocks, showing his versatility on the court. His teammate Josh Powell also put up a double-double with him. The Killer 3’s didn’t get the win but if Green keeps posting up these numbers with a little more help, look out.
Paul Millsap (Aliens)
Week 1 stats: 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks
Paul Millsap was nothing short of impressive in his BIG3 debut. He did it on both sides of the ball as he scored 21 points with five rebounds while also blocking three shots. This is no surprise as he was a four-time NBA All-Star over 16 seasons. There was a scare in this game for Millsap as he limped to the locker room in what looked to be a leg/ankle injury. With the amount of hype surrounding his debut and the performance he put on, let’s hope he’s ok and can come back healthy.
Chris Johnson (Ghost Ballers)
Week 1 stats: 20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 assists
Along with Mike Taylor’s 21 points and 10 rebounds, Chirs Johnson helped get the win by putting up 20 of his own and 9 rebounds. He also added an assist and a couple of blocks. As mentioned, Jonathan Simmons is injured so that means Johnson has time to shine with Taylor again as one of the most formidable duos in the BIG3.
Jordan Crawford (Enemies)
Week 1 stats: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
The Enemies and Triplets linked up again for a BIG3 Championship rematch in week 1. The result was the same as the Enemies held on for a 50-44 victory. Just like in the big game last season, Jordan Crawford led them to the victory with a 20-point performance. He added six rebounds and two assists. The duo of Crawford and Elijah Stewart shined again, as Stewart just about matched his teammates’ performance. As long as Crawford continues to lead the Enemies with Stewart, this team will be in the discussion to win back-to-back titles.
Other Notable Performances:
Leandro Barbosa (Ball Hogs): 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
Gerald Green (Bivouac): 18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 assists
Glen Rice Jr. (Power): 17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Elijah Stewart (Enemies): 16 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist
Michael Beasley (3’s Company): 15 points, 5 rebounds
Mario Chalmers (3’s Company): 15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assist
Marcus Foster (Power): 15 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds
Greg Monroe (3 Headed Monsters): 14 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block
Garlon Green (Bivouac): 14 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists
Corey Brewer (Bivouac): 12 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist
Earl Clark (Trilogy): 11 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks, 1 assist, 1 steal
Josh Powell (Killer 3’s): 11 points, 14 rebounds
Week 1 Final Scores:
Enemies 50; Triplets 44
3 Headed Monsters 51; Aliens 46
Ball Hogs 51; Tri-State 37
Bivouac 52; Trilogy 47
Ghost Ballers 50; Killer 3’s 48
3’s Company 52; Power 50
Main Image: Aric Becker-USA TODAY Sports
