Top seed Miami claim FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger 2024

KAOHSIUNG (Taiwan) - Top seed Miami (USA) won their fourth title of the season after clinching the FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger 2024 on September 15.

Here's what happened in the 16th Challenger of the season.

The winner: Miami (USA)

There is good reason why Miami are ranked No.1. They are showing off their insane depth of talent in the absence of superstar Jimmer Fredette with bucket getter James Parrott becoming a rising sensation after walking off with the MVP. 

He was unstoppable in Miami's unbeaten campaign, which did include a tough victory over Belgrade (SRB) on Day One. The Americans had to use all their class to defeat Lausanne (SUI) with Dylan Travis stepping up big time with 7 points and 9 rebounds. 

Parrott took over with a triple-five of 7 points, 6 rebounds and 7 highlights as Miami edged rising Kandava Turiba (LAT) in a semi-final classic. The Americans had an easier time in the final against Pirot (SRB) to claim their fourth title from just seven events in 2024. 

The runner-up: Pirot (SRB)

Pirot were pitted in a tough Pool C but impressively emerged after dubs against Saitama ALPHAS EXE (JPN) and Lausanne. 

OG Dragan Bjelica was too hot to handle against Kuala Lumpur (MAS) in the quarter-final before Nikola Đonlic stepped up with a monster performance against NT Harlem (USA) in a tight semi-final. 

Pirot couldn't go all the way, but they should be mightily pleased with their performance and the hot shooting of Dusan Filipovic, who finished with 30 points overall. 

The Final: Miami 21-Pirot 13

After knocking out NY Harlem, Pirot aimed another mighty punch at an American team but No.1 seed Miami proved a tougher test. 

The teams went shot for shot with Nikola Đonlic continuing his strong form with a two-piece to settle Pirot's nerves. But James Parrott went into attack mode and scored three quick points before Trey Bardsley went bang as Miami skipped clear.  

Pirot would not roll over, but Miami's firepower was too potent with Parrott and Mitch Hahn combining for 16 points as the Americans powered to another title. 

 

The reward: Three tickets to the Abu Dhabi Masters

Miami, Pirot and Kandava Turiba qualified to the Abu Dhabi Masters on October 26-27.

Final Standings:
1. Miami (USA)
2. Pirot (SRB)
3. Kandava Turiba (LAT)
4. NY Harlem (USA)
5. Paris (FRA)

Top Scorers:
1. James Parrott (Miami, USA) 33 pts
2. Francis Lacis (Kandava Turiba, LAT) 30 pts
3. Dusan Filipovic (Pirot, SRB) 30 pts
4. Mitch Hahn (Miami, USA) 29 pts
5. Trey Bardsley (Miami, USA) 28 pts

Key Stats:
- Legendary Dragan Bjelica had a triple-five of 8 points, 5 rebounds and 5 highlights in Pirot's quarter-final victory over Kuala Lumpur (MAS). 
- XianFu Ooi lit up Belgrade to inspire Kuala Lumpur to a Day One victory with 13 points and 5 highlights. 
- French superstar Franck Seguela had a monster performance of 10 points, 8 rebounds and 4 highlights in Paris' (FRA) victory over Hong Kong (HKG). 

FIBA