The second day of the tournament began with an incredible clash between Amsterdam and Princeton. The American team led throughout the game and played with more confidence than their opponents. Worthy de Jong did everything possible to save the game with long-range shots, but the team kept missing easy opportunities under the basket.
With just seconds left, Princeton had possession and a two-point lead. Everyone expected them to secure a spot in the semifinals. They only needed to run down the clock, but Amsterdam’s pressure forced a turnover, allowing Arvin Slagter to sink a two-pointer at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime.
Worthy de Jong lined up for the decisive shot but was blocked by Princeton’s defense, which also managed to take a one-point lead. However, it’s hard to contain Amsterdam’s leader for two consecutive plays. Worthy seized the slightest chance, scoring 10 points in the game, including eight from long-range shots, to snatch victory from Princeton.
3×3 basketball once again demonstrated how quickly and dramatically a game’s outcome can change.
As for Serbian Ub Huishan, who had a shaky start on the first day, their performance drastically improved. Team stars Dejan Majstorovic and Strahinja Stojacic shone brightly in their game against Vienna. Three dunks by “Dr. Strange” and three long-range shots by Dejan, combined with strong teamwork under the rim, secured Ub Huishan NE a confident 21:15 victory. The Serbian team now leads their head-to-head record against the Austrians 6-5.
Ub Huishan’s future opponent, Team Paris, arrived in Shenzhen with a strong lineup and was favored to win their matchup against Raudondvaris Hoptrans, who were missing Aurelijus Pukelis. The Lithuanians trailed in the first half but kept the gap within two points.
Midway through the game, they managed a slight lead by scoring in physical plays under the rim, but Paris always stayed one step ahead, creating better shooting opportunities. Despite some late nerves, Paris celebrated a 20:18 win. Paul Djoko’s premature ball toss nearly gave possession back to the Lithuanians, but a video review confirmed the out-of-bounds call occurred after the game ended.
The most emotional moment of the Shenzhen Masters was the semifinal between Amsterdam and Ub Huishan.
Amsterdam has rarely succeeded against their Serbian rivals, with the Serbs leading their head-to-head series 11-2. However, the visitors from the “Northern Venice” disregarded such stats and delivered a fierce battle. The match left its mark—literally—on Marko Brankovic’s face.
Ub Huishan NE struggled to find their rhythm and seemed more nervous than usual but managed to edge out Amsterdam 21:18.
Perhaps the most significant moment of this game was tied to Julian Jaring, who played the final match of his career. He was named the MVP, scored 9 points, and received heartfelt recognition for his contributions to Dutch basketball, helping the country qualify for the Olympics twice. It was a moment of true tears and genuine love for 3×3 basketball.
In the final, Paris faced off against Ub Huishan NE. Five minutes into the game, the Serbs had a six-point lead. Paris struggled to find their footing. While Paul Djoko made jaw-dropping shots—banking them in backwards and scoring while being fouled—none of them counted due to rule violations. Franck Seguela joined the show with spectacular baskets, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
With a final score of 20:12, Ub Huishan NE emerged victorious, claiming the Shenzhen Masters title.
Foto: FIBA 3×3
