The BIG3 Playoffs kicked off on Saturday with two semifinal matchups between the Enemies and Trilogy along with the Ghost Ballers and the Triplets. We saw some impressive performances across all four teams in what were two very entertaining games in their own right. The Enemies defeated Trilogy 50-37 while the Triplets got the best of the Ghost Ballers 50-45. Before we move ahead to the BIG3 Championship Game next weekend, let’s take a look at the semifinal action from Saturday.
BIG3 Playoffs: Top Semifinal Performances
Jordan Crawford
Stats: 27 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
The Enemies made their first-ever playoff appearance after going 5-3 to end the regular season. With their dominant 50-37 win over the back-to-back champions Trilogy, the Enemies move on to the BIG3 Championship. The biggest reason for that was the electric play of Jordan Crawford. He tallied the most points of anyone in the semifinal by collecting 27. Not only did he score 27, but 21 of them points came via the three-pointer. That’s right, he hit an impressive seven threes to help the Enemies try to capture their first championship.
Joe Johnson
Stats: 24 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists
It’s no surprise that Joe Johnson shined when the brights were lightest. He got off to a slow start in the first half but heated up when the Triplets needed it the most. Of his 24 points, 20 of them came in the second half, including a game-winning free throw on a tough and-one shot. Iso Joe also put up 10 rebounds for a double-double. There’s no doubt that he will show up with one more great performance in him to end the season.
Jeremy Pargo
Stats: 17 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists
Obviously, Iso Joe is the star on the Triplets but Jeremy Pargo has carved his own path this season and become the perfect number two man. Johnson might’ve taken over the game in the second half but that was set up by a brilliant first half of play by Pargo. He scored 17 points in the game and 15 of those came in the first half.
Jonathan Simmons
Stats: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists
The Ghost Ballers failed to advance to the BIG3 Championship Game but Jonathan Simmons did everything he could to succeed. He almost put up a double-double with 15 points and nine rebounds while also putting up six assists. Simmons had a great first season with the Ghost Ballers, finishing top ten in multiple categories this season and being one-half of one of the best duos in the league. While his team couldn’t get the job done, he had a good performance to end the season.
Mike Taylor
Stats: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
The second half of the deadly duo on the Ghost Ballers, Mike Taylor, also tallied 15 points, combining for 30 points between the two. He also did everything he could to help his team secure the win but just fell short. Taylor was ninth in the league in points scored and was third in total three-pointers but he also did it on the defensive end too, placing top five in steals and blocks. The duo fell short but knowing what they did this season gives them even more hope for next season.
Isaiah Austin
Stats: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks
Isaiah Austin didn’t exactly stuff the stat sheet but he was just as important in the Enemies’ win as anyone. While Crawford hit the threes, Austin stayed low and played critical defense that held the high-powered Trilogy to under 40 points. He had three blocks and grabbed eight boards while also putting up double-digit points with 10. The Enemies aren’t a flashy team but what Austin did is a prime example of what made this team successful this season and they hope to carry that into the BIG3 Championship.
Main Image: Aric Becker-USA TODAY Sports
