The BIG3 Playoffs tipped off on Saturday with two very intriguing semifinal games. The performances on the court backed that up, as there were four double-doubles across the league that highlighted the top individual scoring games of the day.Â
The first matchup on Saturday saw the Boston Ball Hogs defeat the Chicago Triplets 50-47, and the second matchup saw the Dallas Power get revenge on the Miami 305 from last year’s Semifinal game with a score of 50-36. Now we move on to the BIG3 Championship next week when the Ball Hogs take on the Power in what’s expected to be a great game.
Top Performances in the BIG3 Playoff Semifinals
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Deshawn Stephens (Boston Ball Hogs)
Semifinal stats: 27 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks
What a time to have a career day. Deshawn Stephens put on a clinic on both sides of the ball when his team needed it the most. He took over the game from the start and it reflected in his 27-point, 11-rebound performance.
What adds to Stephens’ monster performance was his defense, as he grabbed two steals and two blocks. He was lockdown early and played strong defense throughout, helping the Ball Hogs contain Montrezl Harrell to single-digit points. Jeremy Pargo didn’t have his best shooting game, so Stephens being able to carry the load was key in the win.
The Ball Hogs not only made their first BIG3 Playoff appearance in team history, but now they’re going to the championship game because of Stephens’ performance.
Elijah Stewart (Dallas Power)
Semifinal stats: 20 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist
Earlier in the week, Elijah Stewart was named the Most Improved Player in the BIG3 as he averaged 16.8 points per game with 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He helped the Power earn the No. 1 seed with a 7-1 record. Now, he helped them clinch a spot in the championship game with his double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Power went on a huge 20-0 run to end the game, and Stewart’s big second half propelled them. This performance sums up what Stewart has meant to the Power since coming over.
Leandro Barbosa (Chicago Triplets)
Semifinal stats: 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
No, the leading scorer this week for the Triplets was not Harrell; it was Leandro Barbosa. Despite falling short, Barbosa was cooking early and often to keep his team in the game when Harrell was a non-factor. He tallied 19 points and seven rebounds with four assists, having his two better games of the season against Boston, as he had a double-double in Week 4 against them as well.Â
Greg Monroe (Dallas Power)
Semifinal stats: 18 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists
Greg Monroe polishes yet another week off with a double-double, recording 18 points and 13 rebounds. He nearly averaged a double-double for the regular season and now shows out in the semifinal.
He has dominated the paint all season with his size and strength and is a perfect fit to the style of play the Power likes to display on the court. Monroe looks like he still can play a few more seasons at a high level and will look to have a repeat performance in the BIG3 Championship Game.
Michael Beasley (Miami 305)
Semifinal stats: 18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks
Another impressive season from Michael Beasley comes to an end, although not the way he wanted. Although Miami lost, Beasley ended the season in typical fashion, tallying a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. He also showed out on the defensive side with a pair of steals and blocks. Nine of his rebounds came defensively as well.
Beasley had yet another great playoff performance as we’ve seen in 2024 and 2025. Unfortunately for him, it doesn’t end with a championship appearance or championship win.
Honorable Mentions:
Jeremy Pargo (Boston Ball Hogs): 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
Lance Stephenson (Miami 305): 11 points, 6 rebounds
Garlon Green (Boston Ball Hogs): 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, steals
Montrezl Harrell (Chicago Triplets): 8 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
Glen Rice Jr. (Dallas Power): 7 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
