Week 1 of the BIG3 league’s third season did not disappoint, with many storylines and great basketball to follow. Making their BIG3 debut included Lamar Odom, Greg Oden and Joe Johnson, who took over the game and the weekend. Let’s take a look at the biggest storylines from Week 1 in the BIG3.
Odom and Oden Quiet in Debuts
Odom and Oden are both making substantial comebacks to basketball. Just three years after a near-fatal overdose, Odom returned to the court this weekend with the Enemies, finishing with two points, four rebounds and an assist. After being one of the biggest busts in NBA history due to injury, Oden has attempted comebacks more than once, and he will use his opportunity with the BIG3 to do so again, after not being selected in last season’s draft. Playing for the Aliens, Oden finished with eight points, six rebounds and an assist.
Johnson Dominates in Debut
Also making his debut after a successful NBA career, Johnson showed he has not missed a beat. Johnson finished the game with 27 points, 16 rebounds and four assists, leading the Triplets to a 50-40 win. If he continues this level of play, he may find his way back in the NBA next season.
Josh Smith, Royce White Fight in Debuts
Different league, same fire from these two players. Making their BIG3 debuts, former NBA first-round draft selections Josh Smith and Royce White got into it after Smith put a forearm into White. Both players were ejected, ending their debuts prematurely.
Top-3 Performers From Week 1
- Triplets’ Joe Johnson — 27 pts, 16 reb, 4 ast and 3 treys, including the game-winner
- 3-Headed Monsters’ Reggie Evans — 22 pts, 23 reb, including game-winning shot
- Power’s Cuttino Mobley — 28 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast and 5 treys
BIG3 scores from Week 1
- 3-Headed Monsters 51, Trilogy 46
- Power 50, 3’s Company 38
- Bivouac 50, Enemies 43
- Triplets 50, Aliens 40
- Killer 3’s 54, Tri State 52
- Ghost Ballers 50, Ball Hogs 39
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