All we learned from FIBA 3x3 World Tour Hong Kong Masters 2023

HONG KONG - There were twists and turns as the stakes were raised for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour regular season finale in Hong Kong on November 25-26. 

Let's recap all the action.

Amsterdam HiPRO finally have their title

It took until the regular season finale, but Amsterdam HiPRO are on the board on the World Tour.

Better late than never as Amsterdam finally clicked with an unbeaten run, which included beating American teams Princeton and Omaha in the knockouts before edging Raudondvaris Hoptrans  in a tense final. 

The Dutch Masters were led by - you guessed it - superstar Worthy de Jong, who was unstoppable as per usual to finish No.1 in player value (43.4) and points (46).

Perhaps looking like Slim Shady was a lucky charm for de Jong, who stormed off with the MVP and suddenly Amsterdam enter the Jeddah Final with confidence after winning their first Masters title since March 2021. 

 

Marijus brings out the uzi

Marijus Uzupis made Hong Kong heat up with a hot shooting display, where he finished with 40 points including an incredible 89% from inside the arc.

He led Raudondvaris Hoptrans to a runners-up finish, which seemed unlikely after they lost to compatriots Plunge in OT first up.

But they showed their fighting spirit by beating Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy to make it into Day Two, where they continued to have nerves of steel to edge Paris and Ub Huishan NE in classic knockouts. 

With Uzupis having the shooter's touch, Raudondvaris will feel confident of ending the season on the ultimate high in Jeddah.

 

Disappointment for Ub and Antwerp  

Have Ub Huishan NE gone cold at the wrong time? Not quite because they still made the semis in Hong Kong, but it wasn't quite the confidence boost they hoped having not won on the World Tour since August. 

They should still feel positive after Strahinja Stojacic reminded everyone why he's ranked No.1 with another jaw-dropping performance. 

 

Antwerp TOPdesk fared worse after failing to make it to Day Two after losing to Paris 21-13.

It was the first time the brilliant Belgians failed to emerge from Day One on this season's World Tour in a concern for them heading into the Jeddah Final.

Princeton and Hangzhou fall short of Jeddah

Heading onto Hong Kong, San Juan were clinging onto 12th position on the standings as a spot to the Jeddah Final hung by a thread.

They weren't playing in Hong Kong and sat nervously as Princeton and Hangzhou had opportunities to leapfrog them with strong performances.

But both were unable to with Princeton falling in the quarters to Amsterdam, while Hangzhou were winless in a shadow of the team who won in Constanta.

It was heartbreak for both these teams but much relief for San Juan, who received their ticket to Jeddah.

 

Hong Kong delivers again

It was a memorable World Tour return to Hong Kong after last season's successful showcase. The fans were loud and the venue lit to make sure the Hong Kong Masters was the place to be in this world famous destination. 

The sequel was  better than the original and we can't wait to return to Hong Kong. 

FIBA