In the most anticipated season of the BIG3 to date, the league showed why the hype has been through the roof. The talent level around the league is as high as it’s ever been and that was showcased by multiple double-doubles and a 30-point performance. The defense and toughness also showed why this league is no joke. There was also a scuffle between two newcomers with Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson both getting ejections in their league debut. Nevertheless, the BIG3 is expanding and evolving, causing for more intrigue than there’s ever been. If week 1 was any indication of what we’re in for, staying tuned for week 2 and beyond will be a treat.Â
BIG3 Basketball Week 1 Top Performances
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Joe Johnson (Detroit Amps)
Week 1 stats: 30 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
The Detroit Amps were down by eight at halftime but Joe Johnson made sure the comeback was secured. He finished with an impressive double-double with 30 points and 10 rebounds and was a big part of his team’s 16-5 run to end the game. The Amps superstar hit four threes while also hitting a four-pointer to tie it up late. Johnson showed why he still is the best player in the game despite competition from around the league. He has officially put the league on notice that he is hunting for his fourth BIG3 MVP.
Glen Rice Jr. (Dallas Power)
Week 1 stats: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal
The Dallas Power had an incredible comeback to steal the victory. Glen Rice Jr. led the way with 23 points. We know he’s one of the best scorers in the BIG3 but he also brought down eight rebounds with five assists and had a critical steal. He and Greg Monroe combined for 18 of their 26 points at halftime. It was a game of runs for both teams with Rice Jr. and Power having the last one of the game to close it out.
Chris Johnson (Boston Ball Hogs)
Week 1 stats: 23 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks
This game has other teams having flashbacks of when Chris Johnson and Jonathon Simmons tore it up together with the Ghost Ballers in 2023. In this contest, they both combined for 42 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists. Johnson scored 23 of them points with seven rebounds and did it on defense as well with two steals and two blocks.Â
Michael Beasley (Miami 305)
Week 1 stats: 21 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists
Michael Beasley kicks off his BIG3 MVP defense with a stellar performance for the Miami 305. He nearly capped off a double-double with 21 points and nine rebounds. He attacked the basket and showed his pure shot from anywhere. Beasley picked up where he left off in last year’s championship game when he had a double-double with 28 points and 12 rebounds. With what he has shown in this league, Beasley might be up there with Johnson for best player in the BIG3.
Montrezl Harrell (Chicago Triplets)
Week 1 stats: 18 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
Even though Montrezl Harrell lost in his BIG3 debut, he announced his presence with his team-leading 18 points. He added seven rebounds, averaging over six rebounds for a four-year stretch in the NBA, so this type of performance is what Harrell is capable of sustaining. Nasir Core helped chip in 17, looking like a possible duo to watch for the Chicago Triplets this season.
Jordan Crawford (LA Riot)
Week 1 stats: 19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
Jordan Crawford did it on both ends of the court. He put up 19 points and four rebounds but also added in two steals and a block on defense. Crawford hit three from behind the arc, something he did 14 times last season, which was third in the league. So far in the BIG3 he’s been known for his clutch performances and being one half of the lethal duo with him and Elijah Stewart. The LA Riot didn’t get the win but Crawford will make sure to keep his squad in it every game.
Corey Brewer (Houston Rig Hands)
Week 1 stats: 17 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks
There’s no surprise that Corey Brewer had one of the best performances of the week. Like last season, he was all over the stat sheet. He tallied a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds but he didn’t just do it on the offensive side. He put together two steals and two blocks on the defensive end, showing why he took home the BIG3 Defensive Play of the Year award in 2024.
Brewer also went neck-and-neck with Beasley for the MVP but just came up short. While that was the case, he took home the most important trophy in the league last season, the BIG3 Championship. If this performance to start the season was any indication, Brewer is ready to be a menace on the court yet again with his two-way play.
Other Notable Performances:
Jonathon Simmons (Boston Ball Hogs): 19 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals
Earl Clark (DMV Trilogy): 19 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
Montrezl Harrell (Chicago Triplets): 18 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
Nasir Core (Chicago Triplets): 17 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist
Lance Stephenson (Miami 205): 16 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Franklin Session (DMV Trilogy): 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
Isaiah Austin (DMV Trilogy): 13 points, 9 rebounds
Jaylen Johnson (Houston Rig Rands): 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Dwight Howard (LA Riot): 10 points, 7 rebounds
Elijah Stewart (LA Riot): 10 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal
Week 1 Final Scores:
Miami 305 50; LA Riot 44
Detroit Amps 50; Chicago Triplets 48
Houston Rig Hands 50; DMV Trilogy 46
Dallas Power 51; Boston Ball Hogs 49
Week 2 Schedule:
Detroit Amps vs Miami 305
Boston Ball Hogs vs DMV Trilogy
Houston Rig Hands vs Chicago triplets
LA Riot vs Dallas Power
