It was a HUGE Week 7 in the BIG3 before the regular season finale next weekend, and there were a lot of desperate players and teams on the court.
Joining the Chicago Triplets and Dallas Power in the playoff field is the Boston Ball Hogs, who clinched a playoff spot for the first time in franchise history. We also saw some more eliminations this week. The No. 4 seed will come down to the last week of the regular season as both the Miami 305 and the LA Riot are tied at 3-4.
This week, we also saw six four-pointers from six different players rain down from the circle and even almost had a rare triple-double performance.
It all comes down to the last week of the regular season, where we’ll see teams fighting for the No. 1 seed and the No. 4 seed. Let’s take a look back at Week 7 before we get to the grand finale.
Top Week 7 Performances in the BIG3
Lance Stephenson (Miami 305)
Week 7 stats: 22 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 four-pointer
Lance Stephenson is coming off a double-double in Week 6 and follows that up with another 20-point performance to lead the Miami 305 in scoring yet again. He now resides in the top five in points per game (19.2) and steals per game (1.2).
He also added another four-pointer in this game, making it four on the season and the third consecutive week that he’s hit at least one from the four-point circle. This was a big game for seeding between Miami and Boston. Miami tried to stage a crazy comeback attempt, but they fell short and are below .500 again at 3-4. The 305 are still in the thick of the race, but now it just gets tighter. Stephenson will have to keep up his great run heading into next week.
Jeremy Pargo (Boston Ball Hogs)
Week 7 stats: 21 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 1 four-pointer
The Ball Hogs have clinched their first playoff appearance in franchise history, and it’s come on the back of yet another impressive Jeremy Pargo performance. He’s been the most consistent player in the BIG3 through seven weeks, and it’s not close. It’s now been six consecutive weeks that Pargo has recorded a 20-point performance, and this one might’ve been his best all-around game yet.
Not only did he score 21, but he almost put up a triple-double with eight rebounds and nine assists. Pargo wasn’t only looking to score, but he was helping his teammates and getting them involved whenever he could to prevent a comeback by Miami. In his first season in Boston, Pargo brought a spark to the franchise and now finally find themselves in the playoffs. Another MVP indicator.
Michael Beasley (Miami 305)
Week 7 stats: 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 four-pointer
It’s not surprising that Michael Beasley would join Stephenson on this list. They’re one of the most skilled and entertaining duos in the league. To go along with Stephenson’s 22 points, Beasley put in 21 points of his own. They both combined for 43 of the team’s 47 points in the loss.
Not only did Beasley score, but he stuffed the stat sheet as well, which has been a theme for him. He also decided to show off his range and hit a four-pointer like his running mate did. But as mentioned, it wasn’t enough to seal the victory.
Earl Clark (DMV Trilogy)
Week 7 stats: 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 four-pointer
Last week, Earl Clark became the BIG3’s all-time leading scorer when he reached 706 points. That spot was temporarily taken by Beasley, but Clark claimed it back with his 21-point performance in Week 7.
Clark also holds the all-time record for career blocks, adding in two more on Sunday. Despite that, the DMV Trilogy loses their fourth consecutive game.Â
Montrezl Harrell (Chicago Triplets)
Week 7 stats: 19 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
When Montrezl Harrell isn’t putting up 30 points or setting records, he’s putting up double-doubles. Ok, he still puts up double-doubles even when he does score 30, but anyway, his 19 points and 14 rebounds helped fend off a desperate Trilogy team and keeps the Triplets in control of their own destiny for the No. 1 seed.Â
This was his third consecutive double-double and despite missing time, holds firm atop the MVP race.Â
Brandon McCoy (LA Riot)
Week 7 stats: 19 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block
The Riot signed big man Brandon McCoy last week, which was his BIG3 basketball debut. He had a productive first game with 10 points and announced his presence in the paint. McCoy followed that up with a stellar 19-point performance, leading the entire game in scoring.
It was a huge game for the Riot as their playoff hopes were hanging in the balance, and McCoy was ready for the spotlight.
Dwight Howard (LA Riot)
Week 7 stats: 18 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal
Dwight Howard returned with a bang after a three-game absence and put an end to the Riots’ two-game losing streak. He announced his return by putting up a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. There’s a big difference in the Riots’ game when Howard is on the court vs when he’s off it and it showed.
The big-man lineup with Howard and McCoy worked wonders for the Riot as they had one of the best performances of a duo this season in the BIG3.Â
Other Notable Performances:
Nasir Core (Detroit Amps): 18 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal
Brandon Moss (Chicago Triplets): 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Elijah Stewart (Dallas Power): 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Jonathon Simmons (Houston Rig Hands): 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
Vance Jackson (Houston Rig Hands): 14 points, 2 rebounds, 1 four-pointer
Greg Monroe (Dallas Power): 13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal
Deshawn Stephens (Boston Ball Hogs): 12 points, 9 rebounds
Jordan Crawford (LA Riot): 12 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 four-pointer
Leandro Barbosa (Chicago Triplets): 11 rebounds, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Glen Rice (Dallas Power): 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 block
Isaiah Austin (Houston Rig Hands): 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks
Ray Nixon (Boston Ball Hogs): 11 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist
Week 7 Scores:
Dallas Power 50; Detroit Amps 32
Boston Ball Hogs 50; Miami 305 47
LA Riot 51; Houston Rig Hands 48
Chicago Triplets 51; DMV Trilogy 41
Week 8 Schedule (August 6th and August 9th):
LA Riot vs DMV Trilogy (August 6th)
Houston Rig Hands vs Miami 305 (August 6th)
Dallas Power vs Chicago Triplets (August 9th)
Boston Ball Hogs vs Detroit Amps (August 9th)
BIG3 Standings:
1. Dallas Power (6-1)
2. Chicago Triplets
3. Boston Ball Hogs (5-2)
4. Miami 305 (3-4)
5. LA Riot (3-4)
6. DMV Trilogy (2-5)
7. Houston Rig Hands (2-5)
8. Detroit Amps (1-6)
