Mario Chalmers has a history of hitting huge shots.
He made the game-winning basket with the Kansas Jayhawks to force overtime, which helped them overcome the Memphis Tigers and win the 2008 national title. Two Miami Heat championship teams in the 2010s relied heavily on Chalmers.
The NCAA tournament and the NBA Finals are not the Big Three. Don’t tell Chalmers and his Miami 305 teammates that, though, as the crowd will be enthralled with every moment of Sunday’s championship game at Addition Financial Arena.
Chalmers knew exactly what to do as league MVP Michael Beasley tossed the ball to him in the corner on game point. Chalmers made a shot to give Miami 305 a 52-48 championship victory and send the supporters home with a memorable basketball moment.
Being a clutch shot is something I take great satisfaction in, Chalmers stated. I only assisted in closing it; my teammates completed all the work.
Miami 305’s After winning the Big3 basketball championship game at UCF on Sunday, Michael Beasley is seen on the floor celebrating with Lance Stephenson (right). (The Orlando Sentinel/Willie J. Allen, Jr.)In order to make professional basketball accessible to a wider audience, Ice Cube founded the Big3 in 2017 with the goal of creating a family-friendly league. The goal was to provide an inexpensive, fast-paced 3-on-3 competition featuring former NBA greats.
He didn’t want to cut corners in the competition, though. He didn’t want players to trot through this glorified All-Star game. He desired competition.
As the Miami players, showered in champagne and ready to celebrate, talked about making amends for losing in the previous year’s championship game, there was no denying the fervor and enthusiasm that accompanied victory.
It was simple to become engrossed in the moment, even for fans who were only attending the game for the weekend. They capitalized on the situation and the final game’s intensity.
Ice Cube stated, “As fans, we want to see guys play.” Our men’ personality come through when we let them be themselves, and the fans adore it.
It was clear to fans leaving Sunday’s final game that this is a league with some enduring influence.
And it’s easy to get enthusiastic when you see NBA-caliber players on the court on a smaller, more intimate setting. It created an approachable Sunday afternoon that captivated a receptive audience.
Regarding his first Big3 experience, fan Samuel Barrington stated, “I think sometimes the NBA game kind of lags.” This one-on-one basketball is thrilling. I really enjoy it. It was a wonderful first encounter.
One of the most significant seasons in the Big3’s history was made possible by the arrival of former Magic center and soon-to-be Hall of Famer Dwight Howard.
“I want to bring the league’s traveling show to Orlando,” Ice Cube stated. With Howard joining the league this season, they now had a real reason to focus on it.
Howard’s return to Orlando as the main attraction for the Big3’s last weekend gave them an excuse to make an impression. Leading his side to victory and winning MVP of the All-Star Game, Howard took part in the event.
Every time Howard made a major play during the game, the crowd applauded him on and gave him an ovation. His vintage Magic No. 12 jersey was worn by many.
He was appreciative of the chance to perform for his local crowd once more a week before he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Howard remarked, “It’s always great to be home in Orlando.” Being here with the Big Three and playing in the All-Star Game is incredible. I adore Ice Cube and his work over the past three years. Being a part of it makes me happy, and I’m excited for next year.
The Big Three are having their best season in seven years. The league hopes it left a positive impression.
It provided an exciting season finale to a hungry and enthusiastic Orlando basketball audience.
