The Miami (USA) team regained its best level in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour after defeating Liman (SRB) with a score of 22 – 19 this past weekend in Neom, Saudi Arabia. After their last victory in Edmonton in July, the American team once again showed their prowess, taking the win.
DOMINANCE ON THE COURT
Miami remained undefeated all the way to the final, with Mitch Hahn’s performance in the thrilling semi-final clash against Vienna standing out. With Dylan Travis as the linchpin, Trey Bardsley driving the game and James Parrott showing his offensive dominance, the team seemed determined to win at this stop on the circuit.
Liman, meanwhile, came into the finals on a hot streak of their own after their opening loss to Ub. However, Miami’s offensive power, with James Parrott adding from the start, made the difference. Although the Serbians, led by Mihailo Vasic and Stefan Kojic, stayed in the contest, the Americans’ intensity allowed them to take the lead, leaving the score at 10 – 6 with over six minutes on the clock.
INTENSITY AND WINNING STRATEGY
As the game progressed, Bardsley dominated in the paint, and Miami’s defense prevented Liman from getting into a rhythm. Although the Serbians tried to close the gap with zone presence thanks to Vasic and Milutinovic, the Miami team continued to hold the lead.
With a four-point difference and just over two minutes to go, Miami’s patience and precision gave them clear opportunities to score, reaching a score of 19 – 14. However, Liman did not give up and with one last effort brought the score closer to 20 – 19, but Dylan Travis sealed the game with a two-point shot, securing Miami’s third win of the season.
PARROTT: MVP AND STATISTICAL LEADER
James Parrott was the great figure of the tournament, accumulating 37 points in total and leading the ratings table with 59.1, which earned him the recognition as MVP in Neom. His contribution was key in both offense and defense, becoming a standout player in this triumph.
In other individual competitions, Liman’s Stefan Kojic won the Shoot-Out Contest presented by the NEOM Beach Games, while Joel Henry took the win in the McLaren Racing Dunk Contest.
FINAL STANDINGS
1. Miami (USA)
2. Liman (SRB)
3. Partizan Meta Force (SRB)
4. Vienna (AUT)
ROAD TO SHENZHEN
The FIBA 3×3 World Tour continues next week with its last stop before the Final in Hong Kong, which will be held in Shenzhen from November 16-17, where the champion team of the circuit will be defined.