NEOM (Saudi Arabia) - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2024 is heating up and it was all fire at a sizzling Neom Masters on November 7-9.
Here's all we learned from the 15th stop of the season Parrott keeps Miami at the top
Miami (USA) clinched a third title of the season and you just know who was their main man. James Parrott has established himself as a walking bucket but now has serious claims on being in the discussion for best player in the business.
He won a second MVP of the season after leading Miami on an unbeaten run. There probably isn't a more pure bucket getter than Parrott, who dropped a tournament-high 37 points and he also finished No.1 in player-value (59.1).
But he's not merely just an explosive offensive player. Parrott also has a big impact on the defensive end with his athletic ability and wingspan causing fits for opponents.
Many had written off Miami once superstar Jimmer Fredette went down with a season-ending injury but Parrott has stepped up and these confident Americans have jumped on his shoulders.
Liman's title drought continues
We're right at the pointy end of the season and legendary Liman (SRB) are still without a dub in what is still an unusual sight. But the Serbs gave it a red-hot crack and were so close but fell in the final for the second time this season.
Stefan Kojic continued his heater to pour in a team-high 33 points and he was well supported by fellow veteran Mihailo Vasic, who was a beast in the paint all tournament long.
It was Vasic who came up clutch on Day One with ice-cool free throws to lead Liman past Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) in a result they needed having lost the opener to rival Ub Huishan NE (SRB).
But Kojic went to another level to outduel fellow superstar Worthy de Jong as Liman upset Amsterdam in the quarters before taking down countrymen Partizan Meta Force (SRB) in the semis.
Their bid for a first title fell short, but Liman are still making noise at the backend of the season.
Milivojevic makes his mark
Things haven't quite gone to plan for Partizan Meta Force, who like Liman are titleless this season. But they threatened to break their drought in Neom after making a statement first up with victory over Paris (FRA).
Stefan Milivojevic feels maybe just a tiny bit under the absolute top level, but he was at one point ranked in the top 5 and it's a status he wants to reclaim. He made a great start after outpointing Paris superstar Franck Seguela with 9 points and 6 rebounds.
He wasn't nearly done with an all-round masterclass to lead Partizan past powerhouse Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU). Milivojevic wasn't done with 8 points and 6 highlights in the semis but he didn't get enough support as Partizan fell to Liman.
But Milivojevic issued a reminder that he is a 3x3 Gladiator and the half-court was his personal Colosseum in Neom.
Big dogs flame out
If you needed any indication that the World Tour's depth is bigger and better than ever, look at the results in Neom. The top three seeds - Ub Huishan NE, Paris and Amsterdam - exited at the quarters in a major surprise for teams who have combined for seven titles this season.
Ub were once again knocked out by a Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beater - this time when Quincy Diggs went bang to lift Vienna (AUT) to a thrilling win. In their last four stops they've failed to win, Ub have fallen to insane shots to prove it takes the miraculous to knock them off.
They weren't the only top dogs to be shook with Paris (FRA) for only the second time in six stops not making the final after losing to Miami, while Amsterdam fell to Liman.
3x3 has never been more unpredictable.
Neom was incredible
Saudi Arabia has been a popular 3x3 destination many times before and this was Neom's time to take center stage. Neom Bay was an incredible destination with passionate fans helping create an amazing atmosphere at Neom Bay.
It was an unforgettable event and we can't wait to return.
FIBA