NFL
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) July 17, 2017 — On Sunday, BIG3 made its Philadelphia debut pitting two of the city’s most beloved basketball icons, Allen Iverson and Julius “Dr. J” Erving, against one another in a coaching duel. The energy inside the Wells Fargo Center was electric as the two 76ers legends were introduced in front of the 12,435 cheering fans on hand to experience Week 4 of the new professional 3-on-3 basketball league.
Iverson, who was unable to play in the game per advice from his doctor, addressed the crowd before the evening’s final game, and expressed his gratitude to the city of Philadelphia. “I’m glad I had a chance to come back home,” he said. “Ain’t nothing like the relationship we have. I love you for supporting me throughout my career and still today, you’re still supporting me.” Ultimately Iverson’s squad 3’s Company fell to Dr. J’s Tri-State, who earned their first win of the season.
Week 4 in Philadelphia marked the halfway point in BIG3’s 8 game regular season. With just four games left before the playoffs in Seattle, Trilogy has emerged as the team to beat, boasting an undefeated 4-0 record. The Clyde Drexler coached Power and Gary Payton coached 3 Headed Monsters are hot on their heels however, both with 3-1 records.
In addition to Iverson and Dr. J, Week 4 also saw several other Philadelphia homecomings. Power’s Captain Cuttino Mobley was born and raised in Philadelphia, as was the Ball Hogs Rasual Butler, who attended La Salle and was their 6th player in school history to score over 2,000 points.
Guests in attendance at Sunday’s star-studded games included LL Cool J, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Rapper Bow Wow, Toronto Raptors’ Kyle Lowry, Cleveland Cavaliers’ J.R. Smith, and boxing legend Bernard Hopkins, to name a few. Rapper Fat Joe brought the crowd to their feet during halftime of Game 4 with a high-energy performance of his hit song “All the Way Up.”
As part of the #BIG3Choir contest, The Late Show’s Gospel Choir was selected to perform the national anthem at the Wells Fargo Center.
GAME 1: Power (51) vs. Ghost Ballers (44)
Video Highlights (Credit: Fox Sports 1)
In the night’s first game, Philadelphia native Cuttino Mobley led Power to a 51-44 win over the Ghost Ballers, contributing 20 points and 3 assists. The game was evenly matched for most of the first half with the team’s trading points, until Power took the lead heading into the half 26-21. Jerome “Junk Yard Dog” Williams had 13 rebounds, and DeShawn Stevenson had 17 points and hit the game winning 3-pointer to put the game away.
GAME 2: Trilogy (50) vs. Ball Hogs (43)
Video Highlights (Credit: Fox Sports 1)
In the 2nd game of the night, Trilogy continued their undefeated tear toppling the Ball Hogs 50-43, and further proving they are the team to beat. Rashad McCants shined in the win with one 4-point shot and two 3’s, one of which was the game winner. Xavier Silas, who was acquired by the Ball Hogs this week from Tri-State in the first ever BIG3 trade, led his new team with 17 points. Unfortunately his efforts couldn’t propel the team beyond the Trilogy, who will head into Week 5 undefeated.
GAME 3: 3 Headed Monsters (51) vs. Killer 3s (46)
Video Highlights (Credit: Fox Sports 1)
The 3rd game of the night saw Rashard Lewis put up 30 points for the 3 Headed Monsters, bringing his season total to a league-leading 124 points. He also had 10 rebounds on the night. While the 3 Headed Monsters led for most of the game, Killer 3s were able to put the pressure on and bring it within 3 points late in the 2nd half at 46-49. But Lewis ultimately sunk the game-winner to put it out of reach. Despite the loss, Stephen Jackson had a strong showing for the Killer 3s with 24 points. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf complemented Lewis’ dominant performance in the 3 Headed Monsters victory, with 17 points of his own along with 4 assists.
GAME 4: Tri-State (51) vs. 3’s Company (44)
Video Highlights (Credit: Fox Sports 1)
In the evening’s marquee matchup Philly legends Dr. J and Allen Iverson went head to head in a coach’s clash. Dr. J’s Tri-State took an early lead in the game, and were up 25-13 at the half. They maintained the lead throughout, with Lee Nailon scoring 18 points to carry the team to victory. Bonzi wells hit the game winning jumper with an assist from Captain Jermaine O’Neal, who contributed to the win with 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Despite best efforts from 3’s Company Al Thornton who had a 20 point game, Iverson’s team wasn’t able to pull out the victory.
BIG3 will bring over 40 basketball All-Stars including Allen Iverson, Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving, Clyde Drexler, Gary Payton, Chauncey Billups, Stephen Jackson and more to US cities throughout the country this summer, as the eight teams compete for the title of 2017 BIG3 Champions.
For more information and to sign up for news updates, visit www.BIG3.com.
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ABOUT BIG3: BIG3 (www.BIG3.com) is where basketball superstars play. The premier half-court, 3-on-3 basketball league, BIG3 features many of the greatest, most popular and skilled NBA players of all time, including Allen Iverson, Gary Payton, Kenyon Martin, Charles Oakley and more. Founded by producer, actor and music legend Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, the BIG3 combines highly competitive, physical, fast basketball and incredible fan experiences. Comprising of eight teams of five, the league tipped off its 10-week season at Barclays Center on June 25 with games airing on Fox Sports in primetime on Monday nights. Tickets are available at BIG3.com.
