HONG KONG (China) – In a breathtaking finale held on November 24, the Dutch team from Amsterdam claimed victory against France’s Paris in a nail-biting match that ended 22-20, earning them the title at the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Hong Kong Final 2024.

Amsterdam faced significant challenges right from the start, battling through the pool phase before mounting a remarkable comeback. The team stunned two-time reigning champions Ub Huishan NE in the quarter-finals and then outplayed Raudondvaris Hoptrans in the semi-finals to secure their place in the much-anticipated final.

The Match Against Paris

The matchup against Paris was particularly thrilling, as the two squads had previously faced off in the Gold Medal Game at the Paris Summer Olympics 2024, where Amsterdam triumphed in overtime, thanks to their standout player, Worthy de Jong. This game promised to be just as exhilarating, with both teams riding high on momentum.

Worthy de Jong, the regular season MVP and a core pillar of Amsterdam's strategy, ignited their scoring with an early performance, but Paris answered back assertively. Thanks to sharp shooting from Franck Seguela and Paul Djoko, the French team quickly surged ahead with a four-point lead.

However, Amsterdam was relentless. They engaged in a physical tussle, dominating inside the paint through intelligent ball distribution and nullifying Paris’ advances. Key contributions came from Slagter and Driessen, while Worthy and Alberts showcased impressive defensive efforts that evened the odds.

A Thrilling Conclusion

In a mirror image of their prior Olympic clash, the tension built as the teams exchanged points late in the game. With just over three minutes remaining, the score was tied at 15. As the final moments bore down, both teams displayed incredible resilience, culminating in a thrilling exchange of baskets.

With Paris leading 19-17, Worthy landed a crucial two-pointer, bringing them level, but an attempted basket from Seguela was controversially classified as a one-point shot, leading to the tension-filled overtime.

Once again, Worthy de Jong stepped into the spotlight, scoring the decisive two-pointer in overtime and securing the championship title for Amsterdam. This victory not only capped off an incredible tournament but also celebrated a landmark year for the Dutch side.

Outstanding Performances

Worthy de Jong emerged as the star of the tournament, amassing an impressive tally of 39 points, with a tournament-high player efficiency rating of 53.1. His remarkable performance earned him the Finals MVP accolade, a fitting recognition of his vital role throughout the season.

Additionally, other standout performers shone in individual competitions: Jonas Foerts from Riffa triumphed in the Shoot-Out Contest, while Piotr “Grabo” Grabowski took home the glory in the Maurice Lacroix Dunk Contest.

Final Standings

1. Amsterdam (NED) 2. Paris (FRA) 3. Riffa (BRN) 4. Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) 5. Princeton (USA) 6. Ub Huishan NE (SRB) 7. Partizan Meta Force (SRB) 8. Miami (USA) 9. Lausanne (SUI) 10. Liman (SRB) 11. Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) 12. Vienna (AUT) 13. Kandava Turiba (LAT) 14. Hong Kong (HKG)