Ice Cube brought the BIG3 League to Dallas for the 2018 Playoffs on Friday. Fans crowded the American Airlines Center for an opportunity to enjoy some of their favorite basketball personalities including Gary Payton, Stephen Jackson, Chris Andersen and Cuttino Mobley.

#Big3 Ghost Ballers co-captain Carlos Boozer getting work in ahead of tonight’s @thebig3 playoff action. pic.twitter.com/HK6MJ7vE3u

— Mike DuPont II (@MikeDuPont_) August 17, 2018

Different from other forms of 5-on-5 basketball, BIG3 games are played to 50 points on a half court and a team must win by 2. The league also features professional basketball’s first four-point shot.

The league was founded by Cube along with entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. League structure encourages the competitive group of players to vie for revenue shares based on final standings, making each game even more intense.

#BIG3PLAYOFFS Thank you SJax for always giving 100% and being such a classy human. https://t.co/KMBOEkufEv

— Jeff Kwatinetz (@JeffKwatinetz) August 18, 2018

The BIG3 League will host its 2018 Championship next Friday in Brooklyn.

Ball Hogs bring Stevenson to Dallas

The Ball Hogs, coached by Hall of Fame legend Rick Barry, were not competing for postseason opportunities but Barry’s bunch still managed to oust the Ghost Ballers, 50-35, in the team’s final contest.

Former Mavs guard DeShawn Stevenson saw action in the victory. Stevenson led the team in total points and rebounds during the season while leading the BIG3 league in made three’s despite shooting 30 percent from deep.

Reunited. 🏆💪 pic.twitter.com/HhMoJrvsVt

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) August 17, 2018

“[Stevenson] would be the first to admit he had a tough year this year,” said Barry following the win. “He wasn’t shooting the ball as well as he normally shot — he shot 30 percent for the season from three-point range, which is not normal for him.

“I think he’s a much better shooter than that.”

Jackson provides insight to league’s future

Teams Killer 3’s and Trilogy met on Friday with no extra playoff motivation on the line. That didn’t curtail effort as former NBA veterans such as Mike James and Metta World Peace were diving for loose balls and banging each other for extra possessions or shot opportunities.

How does a league like this project moving forward? Killer 3’s player Co-Captain Stephen Jackson offered an insightful perspective regarding the league’s future and potential growth.

“This year has gotten better, so you can only imagine what to expect next year,” Jackson foreshadowed. “More guys came, a lot of guys that can play this game have made this league better as far as bringing competition. So I love it, I’m glad to be a part of it.

“We’re all thankful and the reason why we play so hard is because a lot of guys still love this game and owe it to the fans to play the right way so they come out and support and we’re going to give them our all.”

Three’s company set to meet Power in Big 3 Championship

When the BIG3 League hosts its championship game on Friday in Brooklyn, 3’s Company will face Power.

Both teams have a wealth of basketball experience on the court and sideline, as well.

3’s Company was led throughout the season by Dallas native and Texas Tech standout Andre Emmett. Emmett finished fourth among the league’s leading scorers with 129 points on the season.

Coached by former Lakers legend Michael Cooper, the 3’s Company roster is bolstered with former NBA vets such as Baron Davis, Drew Gooden, Dahntay Jones and DerMarr Johnson.

Power is coached by Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman. Lieberman was named to the position after former coach Clyde Drexler accepted a position as BIG3 Commissioner and President.

On the court, Power is led by Corey Maggette who Lieberman heralds as the league’s MVP. Maggette finished second in scoring and is joined by a pair of former Los Angeles Clippers teammates in Quentin Richardson and Cuttino Mobley. Power adds more NBA depth with Glen Davis and Chris Anderson protecting the interior.

Power HC @NancyLieberman details how her team perseveres through adversity. @thebig3 @Dallas_Fanatic #BIG3Playoffs pic.twitter.com/t9qJMD3GLa

— Mike DuPont II (@MikeDuPont_) August 18, 2018